Fighting pullets

[Anastatia_S]

Two of my silkie girls have started sizing up to each other and staring at each other, there is also the occasional peck from them both. But one has grabbed the others head feathers in her beak and wouldn’t let go and I’m not sure whether to separate them or not? Would it just be normal pecking order stuff or could it be something worse. They’ve always gotten along. They’re about 7 and a half months old now and they’re both sisters and have up until today always been best friends. I don’t know if I’m just worrying over nothing but I have only had chickens for a almost a year so I am still fairly new to it all and I’m scared they might kill each other.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

If they are not drawing blood and injuring each other then it's normal pecking order spats. If you notice bleeding, peck wounds, ripping out feathers then that would be cause for concern.

 

[Anastatia_S]

If they are not drawing blood and injuring each other then it's normal pecking order spats. If you notice bleeding, peck wounds, ripping out feathers then that would be cause for concern.

Thank you, I will keep an eye on them.

 

[bellz15]

Are you able to keep an eye on them for the next few days ?
Is it constant or is this the first instance you’ve seen this behaviour ?
Do you have the means to seperate a hen if need be ? (I know it took me a while to realise how crucial a quarantine coop was)

I am guessing pecking order stuff and assume they will work it out soon enough, but I would make sure you are prepared in case you need to seperate.

 

[Anastatia_S]

Are you able to keep an eye on them for the next few days ?
Is it constant or is this the first instance you’ve seen this behaviour ?
Do you have the means to seperate a hen if need be ? (I know it took me a while to realise how crucial a quarantine coop was)

I am guessing pecking order stuff and assume they will work it out soon enough, but I would make sure you are prepared in case you need to seperate.

I am at home for the next few weeks so I can constantly watch them. Today is the first time they have ever displayed this behaviour. And it is almost constant. They stop for a few minutes here and there to eat or drink and then get right back to staring at each other and pecking. I don’t currently have a quarantine coop but we are looking to get one as we are wanting to eventually rescue some hens. We do have a large insulated shed that I could possibly try and set up a little temporary home for one of them in there if they do end up needing to be separated.

 

[Anastatia_S]

Update: they seem to be fine now, I’m guessing it was just normal pecking order stuff. They haven’t fought in about 2 hours and I’m hoping it stays that way now. I think I just got a little worried cause it was the first time I’ve ever witnessed that behaviour.