Why is our hen being randomly aggressive towards us?

[RollyWhit]

 

[RollyWhit]

She has always been slightly smaller because she had a severe infection when she was 2 months old and it took her a long time to rebound.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Well, she is definitely a she - there's that at least

How have you and the kids interacted with her prior to this? Is/was she one that was always being picked up and handled and packed about, etc?

 

[song of joy]

I have a RIR hen that was often aggressive with me. She didn't attack in the way you described, but she would rush toward me and peck my leg, especially when I turned around. She stopped doing this when I reminded her that I am dominant over her. A couple of times a week, I would put my hand on her back and gently hold her down in a squatting position, like the crouching position hens assume for roosters (and for people who reach down to pet them). She occasionally needs a re-teach, but for the most part the aggressive behavior stopped.

 

[Folly's place]

I would have ZERO tolerance if a toddler is involved. Mary