I have a hen that just hatched out some eggs, but since she started being broody, the rest of the flock (3 other ladies) have been very mean to her. While she was sitting, if she would come off the nest and go out into the yard for a few minutes, one or two of the other hens would immediately run over to her and start fighting. This had never happened prior to her being broody. Is this normal? I'm hoping that when she is fully reintroduced to the flock that she can get back to normal...
It is normal. I have heard many reasons given for it. That they are away from the flock and the others want to remind her where she stands in the pecking order. The others want to move up in the order. Just because she's weak from setting and they can. I'm sure there are others. Things should go back to normal after she is off the nest and has introduced the chicks to the flock. There is a period where the others may be a little rougher on her while introducing, but it does slow down especially when she starts to defend the chicks.
