Wondering if its me or them!

[vasimoglou]

I'm hoping someone can enlighten me. I have 36 chickens that are about 9 months old. They are a mix of breeds. 5 of my girls that are barred rock hens are hurting me. If I pick up another chicken (any breed) they immediately come over and start pecking at my legs. And hard!! Even through my jeans they are leaving bruises on my legs. Are they just jealous or is this a trait of the breed?

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Sounds like you have some aggressive hens. Sometimes it can be caused by raising them roughly. Try and train these birds not to do this anymore. This is not a trait of BR though, they are generally docile.

 

[vasimoglou]

I'm not sure what you mean by being "raised roughly." The other 31 hens don't do it and they were all raised together and raised the same way. The others may squabble with each other from time to time but generally everyone gets along.