Help!

[RIRgramma]

I have 5 RIR hens that were raised together are 2 years old, have always been good layers and gotten along. Now no eggs and 4 of them are being mean to one.They won't let her on the perches or at the food. She hides in a nesting box. Any ideas?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Has the bullied bird shown any sign of injury or illness as of late? Any sign of change in the pecking order (i.e. she used to be the dominant hen). Has she started molting or come out of a broody cycle? Have any of the others started molting or are post broody?

 

[RIRgramma]

I thought they were all molting and haven't been laying, but it seems to have gone on so long No one seems sick, and they have always been so nice to each other. I snuck out tonight to see if they were all on the perches and nope, she is still hiding in a nesting box.

 

[rosemarythyme]

When did they stop laying, roughly? Have all the birds begun molting then? Molt can make them feel unwell, irritated and cranky, so that could be a reason for change in behavior.

 

[SilverBirds]

How long have you gone without eggs? Some hens molt very slowly. So slowly that sometimes you don't even notice they're molting.

Are you sure you bullied hen isn't brooding? Does she puff up and growl when you get close to her? Does she appear fluffed up when walking around the coop?

 

[RIRgramma]

How long have you gone without eggs? Some hens molt very slowly. So slowly that sometimes you don't even notice they're molting.

Are you sure you bullied hen isn't brooding? Does she puff up and growl when you get close to her? Does she appear fluffed up when walking around the coop?

The laying pretty much halted in July. They look terrible. This is their first molt. The picked on one is so sweet. She is hiding from them and still comes to me. The others still come greet me too. If she is sick, do you think they will welcome her back later? You know the No Peck stuff? I put some of that on her back to keep them away, could that be making them do this? I am sorry I am so wordy. These have been the most beautiful sweet chickens until now and I know nothing.