Fighting chicken sisters!

[lizardfi]

Hello & help! My two elderly sussex cross hens who have know each other their whole life ( they are sisters) have suddenly started fighting violently! They were always best friends and I don't know what to do. They are free range & have plenty to eat and do. Both of them are clucky- could this be something to do with it? Any ideas/advice?

 

[Bridebeliever]

Has any other changes taken place in the coop? It sounds like they are reestablishing pecking order.

 

[lizardfi]

Hi BrideBeliever, I do have a new Orpington & Red has been sleeping in the neighbours coop for a long time before that, but they always hung out together in the daytime with no problems so still puzzled...

 

[Bridebeliever]

Adding even one new bird to the flock causes a "resorting" of the pecking order. I think this is your answer and it should settle down again pretty soon.

 

[lizardfi]

Thanks for that, I hope so! I think Red & Mary are battling for dominance though neither of them were ever top dog among the combined flock of our 3 chickens & the neighbours' five. Maybe Red is jealous Mary has become great friends with Ebony Orpington?