Flock suddenly attacking one chicken

[louiseoz]

Hi All,
I have 14 hens (Wyandottes, Plymouth Rocks, Hylines and 3 pekins). They have lived harmoniously for over a year now and rarely do we even see squabbles. BUT the last two days the flock has been attacking of of the pekins and now she is hiding out in the coop unable to leave. I am going to move her a cage in the coop so she can at least gain access to food and water but as she is tiny compared to the others I am very concerned about reintroducing her. She doesn't look sick but the attacks are veracious. Any idea what I should do? Any idea what is going on?
Thank you in advance x

 

[GitaBooks]

Reasons behind an attack include:

Changes in the pecking order due to birds leaving/dying or new birds being introduced
Not enough food, extreme heat, crowding, and boredom
The hen is sick and they know it but she is not yet showing symptoms
The hen is going broody and has dropped in rank because of it (they can get vicious towards broodies, trust me)

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[louiseoz]

Thank you Gitabooks. I can rule out heat, boredom, food, broodiness and crowding so I'm thinking my little pekin must be sick. Have quarantined her just in case and will see how things pan out in the next day or so. Thank you for your speedy response too x