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.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I’m afraid to let them just work it out because they may kill one another.

They may. Doesn't mean they definitely will but it is possible. Injuries may be serious. So what can you do?

1. Let them fight it out. A definite risk especially as there is already blood. One hen may decide she's had enough and submits. The other may accept her submittal or may continue to attack and try to kill her. Because of the blood and torn combs I don't like this one very much.

2. Separate them, at least until they heal. Then maybe try again. You might try leaving one with the flock if they don't cannibalize her because of the wounds. When they heal try joining her back with the flock. That sometimes works.

3. Choose one and get rid of the other. Either eating one or rehoming would be the popular choices.

You have room, you are doing things correctly. When you deal with living animals about anything can happen. Usually the change in flock leadership isn't that bad, sometimes you don't even notice it. But you are one of the unlucky ones.