carynlg
Hatching
- Mar 10, 2015
- 9
- 0
- 9
Having a problem with a mean hen.
Basic info:
I have 5, 20 wk old pullets/hens that have been together since 1 wk. (2 GLW, 1Buff Orpington, 1 Australorp, 1 easter egger). The coop is 5x5 (not including nesting boxes). I put them out in their run (4 ft W x14 L x 3 1/2 ft ht and has area off ground to roost) during the day (from about 8am-10pm). I have water available all the time and usually go out and put out chicken food (grower/finisher) a few times a day (handfuls at a time) and kitchen scraps. They have food/water in the coop all the time.
Problem:
The easter egger started laying almost a week ago, we've gotten 2 eggs so far and they are beautiful. About a month prior to her laying she was getting pretty jumpy, skittish and a little pushy. She is not the alpha gal (but has always wished/tried to be). 2-3 days ago she started picking on one of the GLWs, just chest bumping mostly. This morning I heard a commotion and she was attacking this same GLW, pecking aggressively and drawing blood on her face and comb. I broke it up but once I left she resumed the behavior. I removed the injured pullet to the coop to give her some quiet recovery. The EE is not being aggressive with anyone else (the others seem to stand their ground when she gets pushy) but she is pacing, nervous and quite vocal.
They are all eating and drinking well. I'm not sure how to go about this all. I think my coop/run/food are adequate, but maybe someone has advice on what I should do or change in our setup or routine? Thanks!
Basic info:
I have 5, 20 wk old pullets/hens that have been together since 1 wk. (2 GLW, 1Buff Orpington, 1 Australorp, 1 easter egger). The coop is 5x5 (not including nesting boxes). I put them out in their run (4 ft W x14 L x 3 1/2 ft ht and has area off ground to roost) during the day (from about 8am-10pm). I have water available all the time and usually go out and put out chicken food (grower/finisher) a few times a day (handfuls at a time) and kitchen scraps. They have food/water in the coop all the time.
Problem:
The easter egger started laying almost a week ago, we've gotten 2 eggs so far and they are beautiful. About a month prior to her laying she was getting pretty jumpy, skittish and a little pushy. She is not the alpha gal (but has always wished/tried to be). 2-3 days ago she started picking on one of the GLWs, just chest bumping mostly. This morning I heard a commotion and she was attacking this same GLW, pecking aggressively and drawing blood on her face and comb. I broke it up but once I left she resumed the behavior. I removed the injured pullet to the coop to give her some quiet recovery. The EE is not being aggressive with anyone else (the others seem to stand their ground when she gets pushy) but she is pacing, nervous and quite vocal.
They are all eating and drinking well. I'm not sure how to go about this all. I think my coop/run/food are adequate, but maybe someone has advice on what I should do or change in our setup or routine? Thanks!
