group attacking one

[JOdogface]

I got a group of ten new pullets last weekend, between 3-4 months old. They're wild and flighty (see my earlier post). When I got home from work today I discovered one of them bloodied up pretty badly around the head and neck. They pulled the skin right off her, at least a square inch, maybe more. Hard to see with the bloody feathers in the way. I got her out of the coop and into a large dog crate.

How much can/should I do for her? Cut away the bloody feathers? Try to get some neosporin on the skinned area? Just leave her in peace and see if she survives the night?

 

[ellie62706]

Chickens will target other chickens they think to be sick, injured or special needs. Does the chick fall under any of these?

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Aww poor thing, like ellie62706 said they are probably targeting it because it’s weak. Also chickens are attracted to red so when blood is spilt they will just keep pecking

 

[JOdogface]

Chickens will target other chickens they think to be sick, injured or special needs. Does the chick fall under any of these?

I would not have said so, no. All ten seemed equally active and healthy. The injured one seems to be picking at a little feed in her dog crate, though I think it's more curiosity than appetite. She's very subdued, must be in a lot of pain.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Chickens will target other chickens they think to be sick, injured or special needs. Does the chick fall under any of these?

Chickens will target any chicken that they can dominate. There is no reason other than that they are able to do it. A chicken who is weak, sick, injured, or has 'special' needs is of course where this domination starts. This simple reason is why I discourage new chicken keepers from re-homing or culling the aggressor chickens in their flock. This is the ugly truth about the pecking order. If you re-home the aggressor bird then every other member of your flock may try its hand at bullying or dominating the target chicken.

 

[Hensndoes]

This is one of the reasons I keep a rooster in the flock. He doesn't allow fighting amongst the ladies and promptly breaks up squabbles.