Chicken Fights

[chalidobrenz]

A week ago, we moved our flock into their new home (all my girls are about 8 weeks). All has been well in chicken land, until today. I was feeding them their morning treats, and noticed that one of my white crested polish chickens (Ruth) is violently attacking my other white crested polish (Helen). I have no idea what to do. She attacks her from behind and picks her head feathers in a chicken rage. It's scary to watch. I've been in there most of the morning scolding Ruth and trying to keep them separate. I understand the need for a pecking order but I'm afraid this is beyond the chest bump, stare down the other girls are doing to establish order. Suggestions?

 

[Judy]

For some reason, those crests seem to invite attack. If only one is doing the attacking, you can separate it, out of sight, for a week, then return it to the group. This is supposed to make them think it is a stranger when it is returned to the flock, and strangers are supposed to enter at the bottom of the pecking order. I don't think you will have any luck trying to train or teach one of them not to attack, unless you have some luck with something like a squirt bottle full of water. Sometimes the best solution is to find the attacker a new home. I hope it doesn't come to this for you.

 

[chalidobrenz]

Thanks. I just found a bloody spot below the attackers ear.. :/ Maybe that's why she's showing extra aggression. I'm going to separate her for the week and see how the reintroduction goes. Thanks!

 

[hxgumdrop]

One of mine got really aggressive and caused one of my others to bleed a great deal, so every time i saw her attacking i would hold her down to the floor for a few seconds (palm of my hand on her back between her wings, not so hard it would hurt though) as if to say i was in charge not her. It took a few times of repeating the process but they all get on fine now

 

[chalidobrenz]

Good plan! Just yesterday the attacker was the sweetest bird.. Then today, violent and aggressive. I wonder if it wasn't because she was hurt. :/ My husband built a separated so she's sectioned off but is still in the coup and can see everyone. We'll let her heal through the weekend and see how she does! Thank you!

 

[hxgumdrop]

I wouldnt of thought she was attacking bcus shes hurt is possible but more likely shes just higher up the pecking order and making sure she stays there