Ruffling feathers and bullying

Jstaz

Songster
8 Years
Feb 26, 2015
39
21
104
South Alabama
So the past few days I noticed Millie (buff Orpington) often puffing herself up and she has been more aggressive but only toward Elsa (EE). She doesn't have mites, lice, eating different or drinking different. She has no other behavior or health changes that I can see. Any ideas what may be going on? Is this a start of a molting? Never had my chickens molt since I had them yet.
 
I know Elsa is but Millie I don't know where she sits. The other three get along fine together. Elsa has always seemed to be low on the todem pole. But they have all 4 been together since chicks so idk why the pecking order thing would still be going on. Unless Elsa is trying to move up in the order... If so she is not winning that battle. Mille pecked her two days ago and pulled a bunch of neck feathers out. That is the only time I seen feathers pulled. The other times Millie just gets on top of her and holds her neck. None of this lasts long as I break them up when I see it.
 
Are you sure Millie is a hen cuz that sounds like roo mating behavior. Sometimes if there isn't a rooster in the flock a hen will take that place , in some cases there's been hens that will actually try to crow . How old are your girls?
 
They are all about 3 YO? I am pretty sure Millie is a hen, she doesnt have a waddle, never heard her crow or try to, no foot spurs, and i am pretty sure they all layin eggs.
 
Ok , it sounds like Millie is a bully then . Try removing her from the flock for 4 days, out of sight and then when she is put back with the flock she'll be knocked down a notch in the pecking order . If she continues to do it after you have put her through the bully treatment and you fear that she might turn to killing then you'll have to get rid of her. Also chickens with sometimes do this if they don't have enough space in coop / run or they are really bored .
 
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Never delt with a broody hen so i am not sure. However she does not peck me when i collects eggs and she is in the nest
 
A broody hen will sit in the nest box and not leave it . She'll puff up her feathers and make screeching and growling noises at you . One of my buff Orpingtons goes broody constantly , she'll do everything but peck me . My buff will also puff up and growl at her sister hens too. Did you figure out what was going on with Millie ?
 

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