Hen Killing Roosters???

[chickenMamee]

But why kill the other hen?

Was she ever at the low end of the pecking order? I’ve got a hen that’s pretty far down the pecking order and she has attacked in a really aggressive manner. We built another roosting area and she claimed it within the first couple days. When the queen hen tried to get in the new area, this hen attacked her like a crazed chicken. It was totally out of her normal behavior.
Anyway, just an example of craziness to think about.

 

[Col1948]

Sounds like she is not happy about being top of the pecking order, she wants to be top of the killing order.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Never going to happen. I’d bet less than 10% of people even carry a pocket knife anymore. Of those 90% probably don’t know how to sharpen it. Lol

Ha, I have been carrying and using almost daily a pocket knife for the last year or so. Goes in the pocket before I exit the door daily. Very useful.

But you are correct that I don't know how to sharpen it.

When dispatching chickens, I like to use my boning knife with a long thin blade. I run that one along that thing that looks like an ice pick. But I think that is just a blade straightener. We do have a sharpening stone set that my hubby sometimes obsesses about, so he might know how... but doesn't participate in any culling.

Regarding dispatching at night... that would work if you aren't processing for the freezer and aren't in an injury type situation that needs immediate attention. I guess I mostly like to have things over and done with so I the nights are a time to simmer down from the days events. But I know we all have different situations and sometimes we must adjust to meet our challenges. Having discussions like this give a chance to consider what we will do if we face the same situation.

There is more to this story that we don't know... for example, WHY is this bird alone in the first place? How long has she been like that? Is she just having strangers tossed in with her and the no place for flight so she chooses fight and being scared for life has super chicken powers due to more motivation than those who are socialized being tossed in. Where did she come from? What size is her pen? What is her feed?

Though I jumped in and said eat that chicken... all truth be known, it is likely a keeper issue IMHO.

I would try a look but don't touch set up for about 2 weeks and then let her free among a whole flock.

There is ALWAYS a reason animals do what they do. It just takes some time and paying attention to get it figured out... just like teenagers and people. She obviously doesn't feel safe. A dog that attack out of fear will still be accused of aggression... and I THINK this is the same situation.

Whether by Nofly or the OP... this girl can probably be reformed with the correct effort. After look but don't touch with PLENTY of available resources (feed NOT scratch or crud treats)... I might consider pinless peepers IF they were needed. But basic visual barriers throughout a pen can be effective. Good luck!