Hen growling and puffing up, but not laying in nest

[JaimeA]

I have a 9 month old pullet who is a consistent layer and normally docile. In the last two days she has been growling and puffing up at everything - me, my hubby, the other chickens, and the new chicks (8 weeks old) that we have in a separated space in the run during the days (no contact). She is occasionally chasing away the lowest ranking member of the flock. She is not laying on eggs or spending extra time in the nest box. The only other info I have read about this behavior suggests a broody hen, but I don’t know what to think since she is not laying in the nest box. Could it be related to the introduction of the new chicks? We’ve been keeping them separated but able to see/hear each other for almost two weeks, and this behavior has only been a couple of days. Thoughts?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

and this behavior has only been a couple of days. Thoughts?

Pre- broody behavior, maybe... some of my ladies give me very clear indicators for a few days ahead of time before going full on broody. It's a hormonal condition.. it may continue to build or she may get over it before going full blown.

If she does go full force.. consider breaking her and plan ahead if you wanna broody to raise chicks for ya next year. They even do well with adoptions when done properly!

 

[aart]

Could it be related to the introduction of the new chicks?

Did it start when the new chicks were put in near the flock?

 

[JaimeA]

Did it start when the new chicks were put in near the flock?

Not right away. She started doing this after we had been introducing them on and off for over a week. She does it when they are not around as well.