Lorax Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I know chickens peck but, the Golden Ranger pecked my littlest girl (18 months) the other day. Really quite badly and said baby (who is a tough little thing and not easily put off by things) was really upset and obviously it hurt because she cried really big tears for a long time. Today whilst I was locking them into the run she pecked me too. Didn't hurt but she kept going for my hands as I was putting the pins in. I have to confess I didn't like it. The other chickens aren't like that. Is this normal and what can I do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Have you got jewellery or painted finger nails? I know mine have pecked at my toes if I wear red nail polish. If not the above I'd just be firm with her and tell her off. Maybe she is trying to be the boss of you. Is she the top hen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I would stop hand feeding her for a while. She'll be looking for treats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorax Posted October 4, 2010 Author Share Posted October 4, 2010 Yes I did have nail varnish on. I have never fed her by hand. She's not top chook! Mine is, the Bluebell.. How best to tell her off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Personally when telling mine off I give them a tap on their bottom and say 'bad girl'. Or ' Don't you try any funny business with me madam'... My neighbours must think I am potty. Seriously - just be very assertive - and don't wear nail varnish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Currant Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I had a gingernut like this - she pecked my daughter on the cheek near her eye and I nearly sent her back! She also pecked my son's bottom! She did settle down a bit - I used to shut her in the run on her own when she did it and like previously said speak firmly and let her know who's boss! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clairey_Fairy Posted October 5, 2010 Share Posted October 5, 2010 My pecked a bit the first week we had her, especially when opening the run. But she seems OK now, has learnt that it doesn't make me quicker and that my fingers are not tasty. Oh, and will aslo go for the diamond on my engagement ring, like a magpie! How long have you had yours? Maybe she'll learn it gets her nowhere and give it up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBevBen Posted October 5, 2010 Share Posted October 5, 2010 Our Dottie pecked me the other week and I told her in no uncertain terms I wasn't impressed!!! Like you Chicken Bark, I'm sure our neighbours must think I've lost the plot I think it's just in their instinct if there's something near the run they'll have a go because they think it's food. Especially near the run door, because that's how I put their food, water and treats in. Seeing your little one is 18 months Lorax, are her vaccinations uptodate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 5, 2010 Share Posted October 5, 2010 The likely cause is that they are associating you and the little one with food. It is a good idea to always use the same brightly coloured bowl and whisteling sound/ call/ clicker, if you are dispensing food, and they will come to recognise these as the signal that food is in the offing. Accustom them to you being around without bearing gifts too, and they will soon get the message. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorax Posted October 8, 2010 Author Share Posted October 8, 2010 I don't think it's that. I always give them food when they're out of sight (i.e. put it in the feeder when they're still in bed), I put the occasional s"Ooops, word censored!"s out but they see us loads with no food. I'm afraid I've come to the conclusion that the Ginger Ranger is just Barking Mad. She makes a run toward us when she sees us in, I have to say, quite a startling fashion. Funny how they're all so different isn't it? I've decided not to let them out of their run (they have a 25m circular run) and totally free range around the garden until the spring when the baby is bigger. And yes her jabs are up to date, why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBevBen Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 I don't think it's that. I always give them food when they're out of sight (i.e. put it in the feeder when they're still in bed), I put the occasional s"Ooops, word censored!"s out but they see us loads with no food. I'm afraid I've come to the conclusion that the Ginger Ranger is just Barking Mad. She makes a run toward us when she sees us in, I have to say, quite a startling fashion. Funny how they're all so different isn't it? I've decided not to let them out of their run (they have a 25m circular run) and totally free range around the garden until the spring when the baby is bigger. And yes her jabs are up to date, why? That's good, she'll be covered for tetanus then, in case the skin was broken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBevBen Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Our Dottie had a little peck at my toe yesterday - I'm wearing 'rouge-noir' - bet she thought it was a blooming raisen you know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhoundgirl Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 One of ine did this when I first got her. Get yourself a plant spray bottle and just give her a light misting in the face with water. It doesn't hurt her just puts her in her place. She'll soon stop pecking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeMeadfan Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Mine like the diamonds (only 2 rings with a diamond in each - fairly modest ones - no 1 carat plus blingers! lol - unfortunately!) in my rings but have to say they are generally very good. Reminds me of an episode of Postman Pat - 'Postman Pat & the Magpie Hen' !!! They used to try pecking when I opened the run - probably because we used to put treats through the 'bars' but now they don't as we don't do it, so they don't associate fingers with food!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
