Hen Injured by another hen (Suspect)

[jwankowski]

One of my Rhode Island Reds was attacked and has a chunk taken out of her back. It appears that one of the Wyndotte's is the attacker. The injured hen appears to be in a brooding phase. I have no roosters and have my hens as layers only. What should I do with the suspected aggressive hen? What should I do with the injured brooding hen? Please advise.

 

[igorsMistress]

Hi there. I'm sorry you're having issues. It could be the broody wouldn't get out of the nest box and the injury was accidental. Is the broody bleeding or is it just missing feathers?

 

[jwankowski]

Hi there. I'm sorry you're having issues. It could be the broody wouldn't get out of the nest box and the injury was accidental. Is the broody bleeding or is it just missing feathers?

She has a chunk of her back taken out and scabbed over. Feathers in the area missing.

 

[igorsMistress]

She has a chunk of her back taken out and scabbed over. Feathers in the area missing.

If it has scabbed over I would just make sure it doesn't get infected and let it heal provided no one pecks it and makes it bleed.

If you want to break the broody you can put her in a wire crate with no bedding but be sure she has food and water. If possible leave her with the others so they can see her.

If the aggressor continues to be nasty you can separate her after the broody breaks, out of sight of the others for a few days then reintroduce and see what happens.