Hen being very vocal and aggressive, completely out of character

[edgy6ellie]

One of my hens, Pootle has recently started being extremely aggressive and vocal. shes a 2yro ex-batt, ive had her for over a year and she is normally the most friendly cuddly chicken in my flock. this last week or so she has been attacking my other hens alot more than normal, being a very vocal and this evening she attacked me pretty badly. absolutely nothing has changed is their day to day life, she is already the top hen. is there any reason as to why shes doing this? or any way i can stop her from being so aggressive?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

What do you mean attacked you? Pecking at your hand when giving treats, collecting eggs or ?

Is she laying eggs?

 

[azygous]

It would help to know your location and whether it's spring or fall where you live.

Has she been laying?

 

[edgy6ellie]

What do you mean attacked you? Pecking at your hand when giving treats, collecting eggs or ?

Is she laying eggs?

She was flying up and kicking me in the stomach with alot of force, it was in the late afternoon just randomly, i didnt have any treats or eggs on me.

she isnt laying currently

 

[edgy6ellie]

It would help to know your location and whether it's spring or fall where you live.

Has she been laying?

Im in the uk so it’s currently spring, and she isnt laying

 

[azygous]

Okay, good! I've seen this hyper-active behavior prior to onset of laying. The most common symptom is loud vocalizing.

It can manifest also in extreme skitishness. I had one hen that would explode in flightiness if I accidentally cornered her. She is now laying and has calmed down so much, I barely recognize her.

Your hen flying up and kicking you, was probably a burst of skittishness, nervousness. She should calm down a lot once she begins laying.