Help! My two hens have all of a sudden become enemies

[paklucas]

I have two hens who have been raised together and have always gotten along (aside from fighting over food at times). They are almost a year old. One of my hens (Bel) is broody. I take her out of her nesting box so she will eat and drink. This seems to work well for her, but the past two days the other hen (Cleo) attacks when I bring Bel out. I have to separate them so that Bel can get some food.

I am really not sure if she is broody right now or just scared and hiding. She is still laying eggs. Cleo has slowed down some though.

I am wondering if part of the problem is that it is Feb and cold and they don't like the snow so they can't get away from each other. It hasn't been a problem til now but this in MN and we have at least a month before the snow will melt enough.

What is up with them?
Any ideas?
Should I send them to therapy?

 

[goldeneggtees]

If your one hen really is broody, clucking all the time and walking around funny looking, flat as a pancake and staying in a nest box, then I'd say that's their problem. It seems hens always pick on broodies. Mine do and I'm not sure why.

 

[paklucas]

I hope so. Last time she was broody it was still fall and she could get out and stretch.
Thanks.

 

[sourland]

As a broody, her behavior has changed and the other hen doesn't completely recognize her. With her broody clucking and fluffing she seems like a stranger. Chickens hate change.