chickens not getting along

[onebookheart]

HI, new here and hoping someone can tell me what is going on. I have 2 buff orpingtons, maybe 1 or 2 old. They were given to me by a friend who couldn't keep them anymore. I have had them about 4 months with no problems. All of a sudden, the other day when they were wandering around the backyard, I noticed one of the them kept being aggressive on the other. Nothing has changed for them in awhile so I don't know where this coming from. It hasn't been serious yet, just the more dominant one pecking at the other and chasing her away. I have been nervous about leaving them in their coop together at night the past few days. I haven't gotten eggs for 2 days now, and I'm wondering if the stress is getting to them.

Any info or tips would be appreciated! Thanks!
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[ChickenKid11]

I think you are right about the stress. The pecking though is not good......... is she getting blood or has broken skin that would be appreciated if you checked her to see if she is wounding her.
Sorry I can't help if I do not know that info.

 

[onebookheart]

No, the pecking hasn't really reached the point of doing damage. I would almost describe it as "threatening to peck" She just sort of makes threatening gestures. A few times, I noticed the dominant chicken wouldn't even have to do anything, the other one just clucked and ran away, I guess she could tell the dominant was going to go after her.

 

[Linn Bee]

Welcome to the BYC gang. Sorry I can't help with your problem. I've had my flock since last May 18th and haven't seen that come up with my small flock.

It is normal for chickens to establish a pecking order and it is normal for them to test this pecking order from time to time. That may be all that's happening.