4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Andrew's]

Hello

 

These are my chucks, George and Peppa:

 

 

Most recently, they have started getting quite vicious, lashing out when you change their food/water etc.

 

Over the last 3 months, we have restricted the amount of time they spend out of the run but that is the only real change since day 1.

 

Any advice?

[Keanie Bean]

Do you handle them regularly? They may just be a bit bored,

 

I'm sure someone in the know will be along soon.

 

Sarah.x

[chucknette]

Hi

 

Are they just rushing and diving in just in case you are putting something scrummy to eat in the feeders?

With mine they all rush (all seven of them) when I am dealing with their feeders and I must say its all beaks claws and feathers.

 

I do get the odd bite and usually get clawed so I try to do it all quickly as they are not polite when grubs up!

[chocchick]

What do they do-peck you? It could just be that they are overenthusiastic because you are moving food about. They will peck if you leave your hands still long enough. I sometimes gently push chickens away by the side of their body if they crowd round my hands, and are in the way, when I'm moving the feeders.

[Chuckov]

Mine get a bit overexcited as usually, someone appearing at the run door means they're going to be let out (in which case they barge each other out of the way and trample me in the rush) or someone is bringing them food.

 

I haven't been pecked, but then we have never hand fed Ginger or Nutmeg. It sounds like they're just a bit overexcited rather than vicious? I find a firm but gentle shove out of the way buys me enough time to change the water etc - or else I just do it when they are free ranging.

[Egluntyne]

Maybe if you get them used to being handled by lifting them out at night when they are drowsy it might help a bit.

 

Perhaps a bit more free renging might use up some of their aggression.

[mayflower]

When I started henkeeping I bought myself a pair of leather gardening gloves, because I knew that if I experienced pecking I would become nervous of them which, would harm the relationship I sooo wanted to have with my hens. I also wore long trousers and socks when entering in their run. This makes me more confident, and lately, have'nt bothered because their pecks are usually out of curiosity. It might be a good idea to top up their feeders and water before you let them out....this way you can avoid the rush. Late afternoons is a good time to offer them a handful of corn and let them feed from your gloved hand, and I'm sure this will build up confidence. Good luck.

[Andrew's]

Thanks for the feedback/advice. I think I will persevere and do some handling etc. I bought an extension for their run which I will be adding this weekend, so hopefully they will enjoy the extra space.

 

I will let you know how I get on

 

Andrew