Behavior problems in existing flock

[JMart]

We just returned two of our five pullets back to the flock after being in County Fair for 10 days. One of the hens we took to the fair was the dominant hen however after placing them back to coop (at night) the next morning we observed she had bloody wounds to her earlobe, comb, and wattles.

Letting them out to free roam we then saw to our surprise it was the most inferior hen that was the cause to her injuries, who by the way has been object in past to frequent neck biting from the dominant hen.

We quarantined the now newly aggresive hen testing her daily during free roam time to see if she continues in her attacks wich she does(on day three). Weve clipped nails to inhibit futher slicing but not sure of what will bring peace and harmony back to the flock.

Any suggestions or experiences?

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad you joined us!

 

[sourland]

It's all about the pecking order. They have to reestablish their position in the flock. That low ranked hen is only getting even for the injustices 'visited upon' her in the past. Chicken society is frequently unkind and sometimes even brutal.

 

[obsessedwchicks]

It's all about the pecking order. They have to reestablish their position in the flock. That low ranked hen is only getting even for the injustices 'visited upon' her in the past. Chicken society is frequently unkind and sometimes even brutal.

This happened with my white chicken. My dad got me 5 new hens for Christmas time and the white one went in fighting, and it wasn't as bad as blood and stuff, but she was and still is at the bottom of the pecking order. it just happens. I always thought if they mixed in for a couple days it would get better, and it did….. the white chicken just runs from everything and stays on her own. Hope it gets better!