Chicken Bullying

[citychknraising]

I have a small flock that consists of 2 EEs, 1 blue cochin, and 1 speckled sussex. More and more lately, I've been having problems with my speckled sussex, Lucy, bullying the blue cochin, Violet. Violet has always been a little of an outcast, but nothing I've been too concerned about. Lately though, every time Lucy and the Violet get near each other, Lucy jumps on top of her and comes up with a beak full of feathers. If I see it's about to happen, I push Lucy back but she keeps relentlessly trying to jump at Violet. There hasn't been any blood or bald spots (yet). Is there a way to stop this behavior before it gets any worse?

 

[SunHwaKwon]

First, are you sure Lucy is a girl?

 

[citychknraising]

Yikes, I hadn't thought about that. She is supposed to be. She just started squatting (my girls are right around laying age) so I am pretty certain.
This is her:

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Do you have a side picture?

 

[citychknraising]

Not with me, I will post one when I get home this afternoon.

 

[moutainMan]

Lucy appears to be a girl to me.

 

[aart]

That's a female...and if she's squatting, she's near to laying and that can cause a fire storm of hormones, which can manifest in increased aggression and a change in pecking orders. Make sure they have plenty of coop and run space and hang on for an unruly ride, after they all start laying things should even out.

 

[citychknraising]

That makes sense @aart , thanks. Hopefully this all levels out soon.