Fighting Hens

[RLynn]

Help! I’ve had chickens for 5 years now and I’m dealing with something new to me. My dominant hen passed away back in November. I have two hens all of a sudden going after one another. I’m not surprised with them trying to re establish the pecking order. I’ve dealt with that multiple times. But this is different. They are really attacking one another, drawing blood and ripping each other’s comb. I’m afraid to let them just work it out because they may kill one another. They have lived with each other for 4 years with no issues. Is there anything I can do?

 

[WhatsUpDuck]

Figure out the aggressor and separate the one who is starting it. After a time out if she can't behave rehome her, cook her, or free range. I'm sorry that stinks though

 

[Yardmom]

What is your set up like? Are there places to hide? Are there sight line breakers between food sources? How much space do the hens have?

 

[RLynn]

What is your set up like? Are there places to hide? Are there sight line breakers between food sources? How much space do the hens have?

I have a total of 7 hens and they have plenty of room. I’d say about a 30x30 ft run. Plenty of places to hide. 3 different waters and food spaced at different parts of the run.