Agressive hen

[ychickychicky]

Ok all heres my dilemma. 1.5 year old leghorns, the for have been together since chicks. Suddenly yesterday one has become super aggressive towards one in particular. Constantly after her. There are also two 15 week olds in with them. She doesnt bother them a bit. They range a 100 by 100 lot and when not out run is 7.5 by 10, coop is 4× 7.5 ft. Ideas and suggestions appreciated.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

When did you add the newer birds? Sounds like a pecking order dispute. They usually resolve after a bit. I wouldn't worry unless you see real damage and blood.

 

[ychickychicky]

The new birds had been look dont tough for a month then all been together for 3 weeks. Diddly till yesterday.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I occasionally get hens that start fighting occasionally. They have always worked it out eventually. Hopefully yours will too.

 

[aart]

How many birds total?
Was the attacked bird a lower ranking bird?
Could be a 'normal' change in pecking order...
....or attacked bird may be ill or going broody or staring to molt.

 

[jlwquilter]

Leghorns! I have 4. They cause more problems than the rest combined. They patrol the nest boxes and won’t let anyone lay until they are settled in or done. One is a feather picker - which is why I’m reading this post as I can to ask about it. She was put into jail for a full week a few weeks ago and was doing so well. Yesterday I caught her at it. I assume she’s actually been doing it again for awhile but not getting caught.

What to do? Is there any other options other than the peerless peepers? And do those break the habit or just interrupt it and once the peepers are off they tend to go back to the behavior?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

"Peerless peepers?" What's that?

 

[jlwquilter]

They are ‘glasses’ that snap into the nares and block direct sight. Apparently they can’t feather pluck if they can’t see directly in front of them
To grab the feather.

They are only supposed to be on for 2 weeks and as they can rub the nares. That’s all I know!

 

[aart]

"Peerless peepers?" What's that?

Pinless peepers

 

[jlwquilter]

Pinless peepers

Thanks @aart
Autocorrect. Grr.