Crazy alpha chichen, about to be soup!

[wvasseur]

We have had our four chickens for a little over two years. Our alpha hen (Americauna) at times can be too aggressive, but recently she's on a cannabalistic quest on our dear sweet Elsa (striped Plymouth Rock). The Americuana started her molt first. I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I've had to separate her from the other three because she is so brutal. The poor three are scared to death of her. Every time I try to give them time together she launches a vicious attack. I defend Elsa as best I can, but keeping crazy bird separate is the best I can do. Our girls live in luxury and are very well taken care of...
Does she have a brain tumor or what? We'd prefer to find a solution, but we are leaning toward getting rid of her if someone will take her. (Doubtful), she's awful!
Can anyone provide some assistance?
Wendy

 

[BlueBaby]

If she's molting, she probably need's more protein. Maybe you could try feeding her some of that Feather Fixer feed to help her get over it quicker.

 

[aart]

Birds can get pretty crabby when molting, but usually isolate if not feeling well.
Sounds like this bird had always had an aggression issue?
So more protein may or may not help.
Feather Fixer is not the best choice for upping protein, IMO.
But first....
What all and how exactly are you feeding now?

How much space do they have?
Size of coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics are always help.
How do you separate her, where and how long?

 

[OhZark Biddies]

I have a splash ameraucana that is the same way, and she is not molting... we do like the blue eggs, but she’s pressing her luck these days.

We have a coop and covered run, so I try to keep a certain balance ... and many breeds and certain individuals that just don’t take confinement well, just don’t work... as they upset the balance and create problems.

But I’ll reiterate the certain breeds thing, if you have a smaller enclosed space, there are a lot of breeds that just don’t work... they might be bullies, they might be diggers, they might be feather pickers, etc.. in our case I’ve just about decided that ameraucanas don’t make the cut... they’re just a little too high strung.

I’m guessing you were joking about the chicken soup... but I think that is likely to be our solution.

 

[wvasseur]

Birds can get pretty crabby when molting, but usually isolate if not feeling well.
Sounds like this bird had always had an aggression issue?
So more protein may or may not help.
Feather Fixer is not the best choice for upping protein, IMO.
But first....
What all and how exactly are you feeding now?

How much space do they have?
Size of coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics are always help.
How do you separate her, where and how long?

If she's molting, she probably need's more protein. Maybe you could try feeding her some of that Feather Fixer feed to help her get over it quicker.

They have approximately 80 square feet within the structures. I have been letting our three nice chickens sleep in the hen house at night and Brooklyn is left outside. During the day I keep Brooklyn in the aviary and the others have the rest of the space. I so appreciate you expertise. I've attached a photo.

 

[wvasseur]

Birds can get pretty crabby when molting, but usually isolate if not feeling well.
Sounds like this bird had always had an aggression issue?
So more protein may or may not help.
Feather Fixer is not the best choice for upping protein, IMO.
But first....
What all and how exactly are you feeding now?

How much space do they have?
Size of coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics are always help.
How do you separate her, where and how long?

 

[wvasseur]

They have approximately 80 sf. I leave the good girls in the hen house at night. Naughty bird has the remaining space. During the day, bad chicken is in the aviary and the others have the remaining space. I've attached a picture of their coop. I so appreciate the help!

 

[aart]

Looks like you have plenty of space and able to separate out the meanie.

Wow, that's quite the setup, very cool!
You should put together a coop page, everyone would like to see more of that!
Just go here and click 'create article'.

Oh, and....Curious...
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, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[wvasseur]

I have a splash ameraucana that is the same way, and she is not molting... we do like the blue eggs, but she’s pressing her luck these days.

We have a coop and covered run, so I try to keep a certain balance ... and many breeds and certain individuals that just don’t take confinement well, just don’t work... as they upset the balance and create problems.

But I’ll reiterate the certain breeds thing, if you have a smaller enclosed space, there are a lot of breeds that just don’t work... they might be bullies, they might be diggers, they might be feather pickers, etc.. in our case I’ve just about decided that ameraucanas don’t make the cut... they’re just a little too high strung.

I’m guessing you were joking about the chicken soup... but I think that is likely to be our solution.

I chose the Americauna's (we have two - one aggressive one sweet) for the blue eggs too. I wouldn't do it again. She is such a pain!