Do my chickens fight because of jealousy?

[Ashliischafer]

I have 2 Roosters and 4 Hens, and if I take any one out of the coop to hold and pet and put it back in, the others attack it. I'm curious why! Are they jealous of the attention!?

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I wouldn't say its jealousy. I would say its more likely because they are still in a pecking order. Also having 2 roosters and just 4 hens is going to eventually be a problem once they mature. The ratio is typically 1 rooster to 10-12 hens. SOME people depending on breed have no issues with less hens and 2 roos.. I have never seen this and my roosters always establish dominance to gain the most hens. How old are your chickens and what breed?

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Jealousy is a human trait not a chicken trait. They peck each other because they want whatever it is you gave the other chicken - the others think you treated it to some food not pets.
Your rooster to hen ratio is off. Might want to get rid of one and add about 6 more hens or get rid of both roosters. As Chelsa mentioned the appropriate rooster to hen ratio is 1:10.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Regardless of what some well meaning people may tell you a chicken's mind is not it's strong suit. When the petted chicken is returned to the coop the other birds take the opportunity to get in some cheap shots in the ever ongoing pecking order battle. I susspect that the same thing would happen if you poured the poor bird out of a brown paper bag. They are reacting to its absence, and not to your fondling it..

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! How old are your birds, and how much space do they have in there?
Chickens can be little velociraptors at times, and don't always behave as we would wish. Instead of picking up the birds and petting them, try sitting there and throwing treats on the ground around near you. Call them in and watch the fun!
Chickens are not puppies or kittens, and need to be who they are.
Mary

 

[Peppercorngal]

Do your chickens have enough space? It almost sounds like they are happy to have one leave giving them more room? Especially if the two roosters are chasing the hens around. It that possible?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

When the petted chicken is returned to the coop the other birds take the opportunity to get in some cheap shots in the ever ongoing pecking order battle.

They are reacting to its absence, and not to your fondling it..

And pity the low ranking birds if they happen to have the nerve to take a cheap shot at the head hen that was just petted, cuddled and fondled - I'm betting on my ol' gal to get more than just a cheap shot in