[matilda duck]

As you know I had Holly and Tinsel for Christmas.  Holly has always been the sweetest chicken I have.  I love all my girls but when holly was introduced to the pack ,she got picked so much so that at one point she became purple from the amount of spray used.   That all changed after we had the batts as she was no longer the bottom of the pecking order.  She gave them the most grief though!!!!

Any way the kids adore her especially Alistair who to be fair, is nervous around all animals.  He and Mary (who sees no fear in anything) would happy pick her up and cuddle her.

Just lately I've seen a nasty side to her, She always takes a swipe at any of the girlies who walk past her.  When a worm is about it has  no chance she can smell them a mile off!!!!  The other day I took some ham out as a real treat it was like having veloceraptors after me.      The last few days she has took to pecking me!!!!!   Not nice gentle pecks like the others do (kisses) these are aggresive and she very often draws blood.  I darn't go without my wellies and coat that meet in the middle
Any ideas why?  Is she missing a vitamin or has her brain gone?

This was my dear Holly but now I wont let the kids too close

[8doubles]

I think she needs to be picked up and let know that you and the kids are tougher than her. Next time she pecks grab her and put her on her back and keep her there for a while, do a louse inspection while your at it . Get the kids to hold her neck down and she will get a better  idea of the pecking order.
A loss of dignity and a few ruffled feathers can work wonders on tough cockerels so it should work on the hen.

[matilda duck]

All of my girls have had louse powder put on them in the last week..  a couple had lice so they've all been treated.  She was one who hadn't got them? 

Hollys my baby and I have never known her be so nasty. 

[8doubles]

I did not mean to infer that she needed a louse inspection just a decent amount of time on her back under your and the kids control, no offence intended.
kev

[matilda duck]

The trouble with writting is you can't tell how it's ment to sound....and I mean that from my post....
I read it again just and thought    "thats not how it was supposed to sound!!"      SORRY 

I will try putting her on her back tomorrow and show her i'm boss

I'll let you know how I get on   Didn't mean to offend you

[8doubles]

No offence taken, give her a bit of corn afterwards if shes still aggressive hold her down  again.

[too many girls]

i had a similar problem with a favouite ex bat, she just got too big for her boots, she became very aggresive, to the point where she would run and attack me when i was getting out of my car, i followed the advice that someone suggested for cockerals, it was either vember or Foxy i think, when she went for me i grabbed her and held her down for a while, i did talk to her while pinning her to the ground for a few seconds, it took 2 or 3 days of doing this, but it was time spent worthwhile, she's been as sweet as a nut ever since, sometimes i think they get confused, you need to assert yourself (without bullying) as to who is in charge, and............fat lois....... that's me!

[matilda duck]

It kind of makes me laugh that she is/was the most gentle and is obviously miss bossy boots now, and yet one of the marans who is the boss has become very docile and loving?

Chickens eh???  Who'd have em???

[Hawkins]

Interesting MD, keep us updated.

sounds like good advice will have to remember this one. Good luck.