What to do about hen attacking me.

[rainbowgardens]

I'm reposting my question because I haven't gotten an answer. I hope that's okay
I have an 18 week old buckeye hen that has begun attacking me. She lunges at me and jumps onto my leg to claw me. I'd like to know how to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand. I'd rather not have to cull her.
Should I assert myself over her, or try a gentle approach?

 

[zoo2u]

If she's absolutely a hen, was she raised by herself without other hens for any period of time? i've only had a hen act this way once and she was raised by herself and so she imprinted on us which ended up being a bad thing. i don't think she realized she was a chicken and she would kick me and the kids. We ended up giving her away.

 

[Rooster Cogburn]

You need to show her who's boss, that I know but I'll leave it to the experts on this site to elaberate.

 

[FiveHens]

Sorry, I don't have any experience, but maybe if you always give her food & treats when you see her, she'll calm down to you? I think that, while (at least my) chickens don't particularly care for forced holding sessions, etc, they will beg, beg all the time at the door of the run. When I have food, I am the queen. When I don't, they couldn't care less.

So...maybe that'll help?? I wish you luck with your girl!!!!

 

[JOSEYWALES]

Back her into a corner get hold of her and carry her around for awhile with a firm grip and pet her. Do this for awhile and she will go the other way and leave you alone when you come around. Let her know you are in charge it will work.

 

[Beekissed]

Attack first and quickly each time you see her. Chase her out of the coop and don't let her eat with the others. Surprise her with sneak attacks and keep her guessing. Give her treats? Not on your life! YOU are the boss of the coop...you don't need to placate a lesser hen. Be the top hen....let her know where she is on the pecking order.

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

showing her who is boss is a temporary solution. I would try to win her over with treats and cubbling her...if that doesn't work, freezer camp!!

 

[Beekissed]

Maybe temporary at your house!

I'm the boss here..permanently. What in the world is the pleasure of raising chickens when you get attacked every time you go out there? Chickens are small...and toothless...hence, lower on the food chain. Time to show the flock just where they stand in that great circle of life.....WAY at the bottom.

 

[flash5153]

I had a hen acting similar,,,not quite an attack but close. She pecked me once,,,,and I put my foot to her,,then chased her around the coop for a bit. I did that a few times in a row,,looking for her every time I went out there.
She snapped out of it quickly,,now I can pet her and hold her with out any problem.
Good Luck

 

[oldchickenlady]

I have a hen (actually 2) that follows me around when I go out. They stay real close to my legs and follow along for a minute or two. Then if I don't give them a treat, they will give me a little peck, as if saying...Hey, where's my treat? I'll pick one up and carry her around for a while, or if I am dressed and cant get dirty, I will chase her around a minute or two, or even give her a little 'boost' with my foot. That keeps them back a day or two, then they start following me again. Weird...