Geeter
05-15-2006, 05:54 PM
Can anyone help me deal with our hen, Bugaboo? Bugaboo and her mate, Christina, have 1 hatchling that is 4 days old. I have read many threads regarding biting and nesting behavior on this site but what I want to know is when the biting will stop. Bugaboo has always been sweet and affectionate to especially my daughter and I. I thought the protective behavior would subside after the hatching, which it has to an extent. Sometimes I am changing food and water and Bugaboo charges at me with beak open. If I don't move quickly enough, I get a bite that smarts but doesn't break the skin. Other times, she's her old self. Frankly, I'm scared to be bit because I know the wrath of a "bad" bite and am happy to still have the skin on my knuckle! She has recently, without warning, bit my cheek while she had been sitting on my shoulder for a short while. I want to begin handling the baby (whenever I can?) or even be able to tend to the cage without fear. Can they sense the fear? Christina has never tried to bite me, he guards the nestbox. I try to give them their family time but I still sit near them and whistle, talk, make kissy noises, etc. I leave the cage open so they can play on their playground if they choose. We still try to give 1 on 1 time with them , if they let us. What are we doing wrong? What else can we do?
I appreciate any advice!
Alicia
I appreciate any advice!
Alicia