Hen attacking another hen

[Firsttimechickmom]

i have 2 hens & a rooster, they have all been together since they were 10 weeks old. They are now 6 months. One hen is sitting on eggs & everytime she comes out the other hen attacks her. They have been very close before this happened, always together. The one sitting is a bantam & the other is a RIR so you can imagine how terrifying it is to watch with the size difference. The bantam only comes out (that I know of) when I’m in the run & she gets food & water with me protecting her. The rooster runs off because he’s scared of me. Why is the RIR attacking her, is this normal behavior? She was on her back & pinned her down. The rooster will soon be rehomed so he isn’t a problem. Eggs are due to hatch early next week so I’m worried about this behavior continuing.

 

[roosterhavoc]

You should have the hen sitting on eggs by herself with no other chickens around.

 

[Firsttimechickmom]

You should have the hen sitting on eggs by herself with no other chickens around.

Thank you! We moved the entire nest & successful hatched 9 out of 12 eggs yesterday

 

[chickens really]

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Thank you! We moved the entire nest & successful hatched 9 out of 12 eggs yesterday

Congrats..Very cute. In a few days you can let them back with the other birds.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Congratulations on your hatch! How adorable!

 

[Shadrach]

The one sitting is a bantam & the other is a RIR so you can imagine how terrifying it is to watch with the size difference.

You can then imagine how terrifying it is for the bantam!
Not all breeds mix well and obviously your choice of mix has become a problem.
The chicks are lovely. Get rid of the RIR, yes I know it's a hard choice and give the bantams a chance.