Hen attacking other hen

[Edededed]

I have two silkie hens, one of them just hatched four chicks and has been attacking the other hen. I’ve noticed it happens when there’s food involved and she’s starting get more aggressive. Is she just being protective over her babies?

 

[TesoroSena]

Yes, normally they become more aggressive when raising babies. If the hen is lower in the pecking order, or feel threatened, she will be even worse. When she is attcking what actual happened? Did the hen back off, or fight? Did she run back to her chicks, or chase the hen? Is it always the same hen?

 

[Edededed]

The hen that had the chicks is at the top of the pecking order. The other hen just runs away when mama attacks and is now scared of her so she tries not to get close but the other one still lunges. Shes even pulled some feathers.

 

[Carters Chick House]

The hen that had the chicks is at the top of the pecking order. The other hen just runs away when mama attacks and is now scared of her so she tries not to get close but the other one still lunges. Shes even pulled some feathers.

My bantam hen is raising 2 chicks among the flock. I'm using a grow out pen inside the coop. Mama attacked the orp hen and the hen fought back. I separated them quickly. The mama left a bloody spot on the poor hens beak. If I had not stopped it,not sure who would have backed off. This is the only bird that did not run off. I have two roos and many hens in the flock.