What the heck??!!

[I-Have-Happy-Hens]

One of my hens did this before she started to lay and I think thats whats got her moody

 

[Dowie]

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I think it's partly hormones too. My little girl became wild a few days before she first laid, zooming around the yard. She even really bit my DH hard on the stomach (she's a bantie so it was actually kinda funny). After she laid she settled, but everytime she was due to lay, wow.

 

[Keltara]

I am so glad I came here with this issue. I have been so worried I'd lose my sweetheart (personality wise). For those of you who have commented on my kicking her...please be reassured that I'd never hurt my hens. If you have seen any of my other posts here, you'll know how much we love our girls. It was more of a "put my foot under her and lift and throw a little". It really did not hurt her one bit and I felt just terrible after doing it. It was at that point that I came here for help. The help has been well received. I have begun to implement the hand on the back and gently pushing down. I wasn't quite sure how long I should hold her, but after checking this morning, I can see that I not been doing it nearly long enough. I understand now that I need to wait for her to submit. I will continue to do this, and patiently wait for her to come around. Treats will still be a big part of my chickens day (including Jasmine the naughty girl). Today, I'll try properly holding her down until submission. Hopefully it is partly hormonal as well since they are getting very close to laying. Thank so much to the wonderful, knowledgeable BYC family who has helped me.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I know your Henny Penny girls are well loved. That is really interesting that others have noticed their pullets getting rather rude before point of first lay, so hopefully she will calm down soon.

 

[Keltara]

scratch'n'peck :

I know your Henny Penny girls are well loved. That is really interesting that others have noticed their pullets getting rather rude before point of first lay, so hopefully she will calm down soon.

Thank you so much Jill. When I read my original post up on top, I can see how it sounds just awful what I did. I just didn't want people to feel sorry for my TERRIBLY spoiled hens. I do love them so much. I have already been seeing a change. It was funny, today when I put my hand on her back and pushed her down her down, she was trying to crawl around on her belly and making an irritated growl and then suddenly she stopped and laid still. I held her like that for a little bit, told her what a good girl she was, gave her neck a gentle pet with my thumb and released her. Yesterday, when I got near to her, she'd get her feathers all poofed up. Today she's not doing that. I'm so happy and will continue to do this until I feel safe that she will no longer bite.​

 

[JakRat]

you could also try holding her in a towel and walking around with her. I do that with a few of my girls when they start to get to skittish. We go on hen calm down walks...

 

[Rachy]

I've also heard that their behaviour can change at pol and then changes back once they start laying.

Hope it all works out for you, they are lovely hens x

 

[flowergirl60]

Tell her until she acts like a lady again, no more swimming in the pool.

 

[Keltara]

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[Dowie]

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