Bully chickens

Daniellehall612

Hatching
Jun 21, 2020
3
0
6
Minneapolis, MN
We have had 3 hens for 2 years now (since they were chicks), and pecking order was established early and has never been challenged. Now since yesterday the 2 hens have been bullying the hen that has always been the lead hen. So much so that she can’t even come down from the roosting area to eat or drink. I have no idea what happened. She looks healthy. We did add on to our coop a few weeks ago, but again... if that was the issue why 2 weeks later?
Are they likely just re-establishing pecking order or should I be concerned? Any suggestions?
 
Are they likely just re-establishing pecking order or should I be concerned?
It's likely, but hard to know for sure why.
Sometimes a bird is drummed out of flock due to being ill or broody.
How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Any other changes/events?
Are all 3 birds laying?

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @Daniellehall612
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
1592751464373.png
 
we just added to their coop so it’s pretty big, probably 15ft by 9ft approximately. I don’t think she’s broody because she isn’t sitting in the hen box, she’s been hiding on the roosting bar all day. Looks like she is getting pecked behind her head so we put some blue kote on her last night but it’s not helping. Only one laid yesterday. Wondering if I should try painless peepers?? Or wait a bit? I’ve never had this happen in the 5 years we’ve had chicks!

It's likely, but hard to know for sure why.
Sometimes a bird is drummed out of flock due to being ill or broody.
How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Any other changes/events?
Are all 3 birds laying?

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @Daniellehall612
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2205055
 

Attachments

  • 2ED9CFC8-7D96-4C63-A191-B559045D5B92.jpeg
    2ED9CFC8-7D96-4C63-A191-B559045D5B92.jpeg
    34.9 KB · Views: 8

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom