Dominant

[awalden12]

I have two hens, approx the same age(6 months). One is quite larger than the other and has became very aggressive and dominant. Especially early in the morning. Neither of them have started laying either. I really don't want her to cause any harm to my other hen!

 

[chickenbythesea]

are there just two hens? If so you may want to consider getting more so there isn't just the one other to pick on... if that's not an option make sure that there's a way for the picked on hen to be able to get away from the aggressor. Other than that I'm not sure but someone should be along to give more advise

 

[terryg]

You'll always have pecking order in a flock, but the dynamic should be subtle and never look dangerously aggressive. Hens will chase each other away from food and jostle for a roosting spot. But, there shouldn't be chasing, pinning down or blood-letting. So, if what you have is serious aggression, then look at the housing and management. Chickens that are crowded, bored, or feel that there aren't enough resources will peck. And then, some hens simply don't like each other. I agree with chickenbythesea that 3 to 5 hens are easier to care for than two. I have more about pecking order here: http://hencam.com/faq/pecking-order/

 

[awalden12]

This morning for instance, Joss, the calmer non-agressive chicken, was literally hiding in the nesting box. And when the other one went into the coop, she was trying her hardest to fly away, of course she couldn't get very far.