Aggression?

[Whatthechicken]

So I have a chicken called Betsy, who doesn’t lay and has a few male characteristics. I’ve spoken about her before www.mumsnet.com/Talk/chicken_keepers/4065729-Betsy-may-be-Bertie
Very beautiful, quite dominant with the others (will mount them) but she’s not the top chick.

She used to be very timid of me and still is, although a few days ago I got quite a long cuddle with her, I think she enjoyed it.

For a few weeks now when I go clean out the coop, she comes in and starts chuntering at me, almost like she’s checking on what I’m doing (unusual because she is so timid, so obviously not happy). Yesterday she jumped on my shoulder when I was gardening, which is unheard of as she will do anything to avoid me. at first I thought ‘aww’, but today in the garden she’s got this look in her eye and keeps walking towards me and wanting to fly up at me. It’s not ‘aww’ is it? Is she trying to dominate me/be aggressive and what can I do about it...I have a feeling this may escalate!

Good to hear a Betsy/Bertie update - they sound like quite a character!

I have a cockerel who has been strutting his stuff and been mildly aggressive this spring and my opinion is that you need to 'nip this sort of thing in the bud'. Aggressive behaviour from my cockerel would result in him being picked up and given a 'talking to'. He would likely make a fuss initially but soon settle down (he's quite tame really). Worth keeping your eye on the bird in question to prevent an attack taking place, especially with children.

I have no evidence at all to back up my approach but I think confident handling helps. Also no direct experience with he/she birds! I think spring is the worst time of year for this sort of behaviour, maybe they will settle down later in the year.