2 hens suddenly fighting

[NiecyClock]

I have 6 hens (3 Welsummers and 3 Black Marans) that have been with each other for 6 years and I have not introduced any new hens in those 6 years. The other day, 2 of them started fighting. Not just pecking, but all out, neck feathers raised, going at each other fighting. I can’t tell who the aggressor is. They have a 6x8 shed as a coop and a 12x12 run. I haven’t changed anything there. The only thing that has been different is the neighbor has been having their yard re-landscaped for the past week. They started fighting on the last day of the work. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Was either chicken injured? As long as no one gets hurt or is preventing one another from eating or drinking, I wouldn't interfere. It could just be a tussle over food or a pecking order issue.

 

[NiecyClock]

Yes. Welsummer has some bloody spots on her comb. So yesterday I tried putting Black Maran in the coop and left Welsummer and other 4 outside for 1/2 day. The 5 outside were fine. Then tried to add the Maran back to the mix that evening and the Maran and Welsummer went at it again. So the Maran is by herself again.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I assume you don't free range and the chickens spend most of the day in the run? What is your run set up like? Is it just an open space or is there some clutter in there to help break line of sight or give birds a hiding spot if needed.

 

[sunrise.superman]

Could there be something going on healthwise with one of them? In other species they know immediately when one of their herd or pack or whatever is having a health issue very early on and it puts one of them in a weaker position or causes a shift in the balance of hierarchy...and disrupts things day to day. The health issue one is not so weak to not try and maintain their position, but the healthier one knows they can make a play now.

 

[NiecyClock]

My hens do not free range. I have some clutter in there (large 1/2 barrel planter, upside down large clear plastic storage bin with door cut out, hanging basket planters). Should I add more?
Niether of the hens seem sick and it’s not like one is bullying the other. They both seem equally aggressive...

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hmm, it's hard to say. Maybe something about the neighbor's yard work is making them upset (sound, smell, just a lot of activity) but it could also be coincidental. Maybe pinless peepers would help in this case, on both birds, if the situation doesn't resolve itself even after the yard work is finished.

 

[PirateGirl]

Mine only fight if one is starting to go broody.

 

[Shadrach]

Hens do fight as well as roosters.
Separating them won't help in the long run.
It is probably a pecking order issue or as @PirateGirl the onset of broodiness.
As long as nobody is seriously injured, patch up their combs and wattles, tell them to behave and leave them to it.

 

[NiecyClock]

So I tried to introduce the 2 fighting hens again after adding some more distractions in the run (lots of yummy weeds and grasses) and they were OK for about an hour (the 2 fighters walked right by each other several times with no issues), then they suddenly went at it again. I tried to let them duke it out but the Welsummer had some bloody spots on her comb again so I separated them again...not sure what to do now.