Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: Blobbs on July 27, 2012, 10:32

Title: Hen Attack
Post by: Blobbs on July 27, 2012, 10:32
Hi All
 Why has one of my hens started to peck my legs ? And the others look as though they might join in soon!! They are now about 24 weeks old.  They are commercial breeds. 4 white/brown speckles and 4 brown ones.I give them an evening treat of corn. Is this why they are doing it?
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: LittleRedHen on July 27, 2012, 10:39
One of my new hens is a 'pecker'.  She's also very affectionate and wants held.  It is just part of her personality.  She's quite cheeky and will peck my bottom if I am sitting in a lawn chair.  It might be that she sees you as a hen lower on the pecking order.  I know that when my hen was pecked in a 'pecking order' ritual, she turned right around and pecked me.  I haven't been able to cure her, even though she crouches for me and is low hen.  Try pushing your hen down at the back of the neck so that she squats.  If you do this regularly, she may get the idea that you are top hen?
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: nerdle on July 27, 2012, 10:40
ooh I love a good leg peck - mine does it all the time and friends come round to have it done while they sip their tea!
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: cheekychick22 on July 28, 2012, 21:25
i discovered today not to walk into the run with sandles on boy do they love toes must think they are big juicy worms lol
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: andy46 on July 28, 2012, 22:27
My two girls like to peck fingers!!!! :(
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: Sassy on July 29, 2012, 08:25
Beware if you wear red nail varnish on your toes. :ohmy: :blink: :D
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: snow white on July 30, 2012, 16:17
I think hens think everything is worth investigating to see if it is edible.  When I bend down to say hello to my chooks and give them a good look see, I can see them looking at my face and eyes.  "Ohh interesting things you have there human......"
 :ohmy:
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: Sassy on July 31, 2012, 08:24
Beware of your eyes they will often take a peck as they are shiny!! :ohmy:
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: ANHBUC on July 31, 2012, 09:50
I have one that will peck the back of my legs, she loves to sneak up on me.  I use my fingers like a beak and peck at her with them.  It seems to work quite well but you have to keep reminding them who is boss!    ::)  :lol:
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: Blobbs on July 31, 2012, 10:04
Thankyou all for your replies. Seems to me that they just love a good old peck. At the moment it's just the back of the legs but it seems as though anywhere will do. Am condireing a suit of armour !!  :D
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: ANHBUC on July 31, 2012, 10:10
Thankyou all for your replies. Seems to me that they just love a good old peck. At the moment it's just the back of the legs but it seems as though anywhere will do. Am condireing a suit of armour !!  :D

Wellies would be a good start.   :lol:
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: Blobbs on July 31, 2012, 12:09
True. I always wear trackie bottoms so it's more my feelings than my legs that hurt !!
Title: Re: Hen Attack
Post by: Chicken star on July 31, 2012, 23:29
Never wear flip flops near the chickens. I had a shock when i did  :ohmy:  :lol: