Easter Egger hen question

[chickfarmer2015]

has anyone had problems with EE hens being very aggressive towards other hens? I have introduced an ameracauna hen about 4 days ago and the EE hen is still constantly picking on her. Every time she tries to come outside the EE chases her back in. I know they have to get pecking order and all but, it seems like it's taking a while. Any suggestion or thoughts?

 

[trailrider330]

I currently have a handful of EEs in with various other breeds and none of them are near the top of the pecking order so I have not seen any aggression from them. I think it totally depends on the bird.

I would say keep an eye on things and hopefully they will work things out shortly.

 

[donrae]

It's not a breed trait in my experience. I've had EE in with various dual purpose breeds for years and never had one stand out as aggressive.

It's only been 4 days. As long as there's no bloodshed I'd leave them be. This is very normal in the animal world, the dominant animal controls the food and where the submissive animal goes. That's the perks of being the top hen

If you're concerned about access to food and water, simply set up another station so the one bird can't guard both all the time.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

It's not a breed trait in my experience. I've had EE in with various dual purpose breeds for years and never had one stand out as aggressive.

It's only been 4 days. As long as there's no bloodshed I'd leave them be. This is very normal in the animal world, the dominant animal controls the food and where the submissive animal goes. That's the perks of being the top hen

If you're concerned about access to food and water, simply set up another station so the one bird can't guard both all the time.

X 2
Also, as trailrider said, the EE in my flock tend to be towards the middle or bottom of the pecking order of our flock - which when introducing birds it is often surprising to some to see that the lower birds can be some of the most aggressive in asserting their place over the newcomers. The birds at the bottom see the introduction of new birds as a chance to make some rather painless moves up the order because they don't have to take on birds above them at all, just keep the new birds (who are already at the disadvantage) beneath them.