Chickens killing Chickens?

[Stray]

I just got back from my coop. I found one of my Cochins up there dead. Her comb was torn in two, and her wattles were gone. the back of her neck was exposed. I don't have a roo to blame. So, what would cause the other hens gang up on her? She was one of my healthiest birds, too.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Could be a pecking order fight. She may have stood up to the dominate hen and then got put in her place.

 

[silkieowner]

if it were me i would find out who did it then cull that bird. My saying is once they have a taste for blood there gone they will continue killing.

 

[tammyd57]

Are you positive that the other chickens killed her? Is it possible a predator could have done it? Maybe a raccoon or weasel?

 

[gogoalie]

You'd think that if it were a pred, that other hens would be dead as well...but this is exactly what it sound like...hen pecking order...I see it already with my five I have...The two newest hens & healthiest are always pickin' on the lower weight birds...I've a rooster as well, & it seems that the roo is favoring the two healthy ones as well...my two heavyweights get along fine...seems my Austraulorp is the Alpha female, my RSL is the Beta & the other two hens are sub adults...but they're all the same age, just the two are less weight...

With that, I can see a fight with the RSL & my Austraulorp...them two used to battle for heirarchy 'til I got my Roo & 3rd hen.