Fighting Mama Hens - What should I do?

BoiseChik

Chirping
6 Years
Jul 11, 2013
227
21
78
Boise Idaho
Hello, I have a flock of 15 hens that free range in a large fenced yard. I currently have two hens with baby chicks, and they keep attacking each other! They never fought before they had chicks, but now they go at each other like a couple of roosters. They have all the space in the world, but as they wander around with their babies, the fight when they encounter each other. I'm wondering why they are doing this and also if there is anything I can do. I'd like to continue to let each Mom/babies free range.
 
They are fighting because each perceives the other as a threat to her babies (rightfully so as some hens will gladly kill chicks of another, especially if she has chicks of her own) -- if their fighting is concerning you the only solution is to manage them so that they are separated from each other.
 
Separate them for now. When their chicks are independent, reintegrate them. It's best if they are physically separate but next to each other within view. I never have two broodies at once for this reason. Mary
 
Agree with the other two.Sone hens will literally theif chicks from other hens.This could be the reason why they fight.
 

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