Hen attacking another

[Bonniewags11]

Hi guys! I have 4 hens, 3 Americanas and an ISA brown. All bought together. One of my Americaunas is attacking another. Only these two. The one just keeps jumping and pecking the other. They all free range most of the day and then in the coop/run in the evening. Plenty of room in the coop and run for 4 chickens. This just started this past week. Prior to this they all got along great. Why is this happening now and what can I do to stop it? The attacked bird is scared now. They were all pretty mellow until now. The aggressor only attacks the one when and is pretty mouthy about it too! I have her in the coop now while the others are free ranging, heard someone say that might help keep her online eventually? Thanks for any help!

 

[Zen Wildlife Rescuer]

Hi guys! I have 4 hens, 3 Americanas and an ISA brown. All bought together. One of my Americaunas is attacking another. Only these two. The one just keeps jumping and pecking the other. They all free range most of the day and then in the coop/run in the evening. Plenty of room in the coop and run for 4 chickens. This just started this past week. Prior to this they all got along great. Why is this happening now and what can I do to stop it? The attacked bird is scared now. They were all pretty mellow until now. The aggressor only attacks the one when and is pretty mouthy about it too! I have her in the coop now while the others are free ranging, heard someone say that might help keep her online eventually? Thanks for any help!

How old are they?

 

[Bonniewags11]

How old are they?

1 and 1\2 years old

 

[589205]

All chickens establish their pecking order or hierarchy at a young age. Some breeds are more aggressive than others and some chickens (I swear!) are just plain stubborn! There's a product called No-Peck that might work for your girls. I personally haven't tried it myself as I use my squirt gun instead but I have heard some good comments about it. Otherwise, I'd recommend just seperating the mean one for "time-out" time or getting a squirt gun so that the mean one eventually learns not to pick on the others anymore.