Hen won't let new pullets lay

[Brennigan]

My Welsummer hen (we raised from a chick last February) won't let our new pullets lay. Our one new girl who wants to lay will go in the box, but if the Welsummer finds her, she attacks her pulling out feathers. Any ideas as to stop her?

Background: We only had two hens throughout the winter (Welsummer and Buff Orp) and added three new chicks this Spring (EE, Australorp, Brahna) : 5 total. They get hours of free range time on our 1/2 acre but spend the other time in their 100sq ft run. The Welsummer has been a bully to our new girls from the start, but really has it out for the EE that has started laying.

 

[junebuggena]

Try removing her from the flock for a few days to 'reset' the pecking order. Then introduce her back. Do you have more than one nesting box?

 

[Brennigan]

Try removing her from the flock for a few days to 'reset' the pecking order. Then introduce her back. Do you have more than one nesting box?

Yes, two nesting boxes.

She was separated when they were younger for a couple days but that was before the littles were laying. She sleeps in the nesting box too, but I don't think that's related..

I will try separating her. I just don't want to get rid of her if I can "train" her otherwise.

 

[junebuggena]

If she also sleeps in the nest box, then that could very well be the reason for the behavior. A top hen will not let a lower ranking hen to roost on 'her' roost. Since the nest box is her roosting area, it makes sense for her to not allow a lower ranking bird in there. I do think you should put a stop to her sleeping in the nest boxes. It makes for some really gross early morning eggs. Are your roosting bars wide enough for her feet to fit flat? Some hens will not use a roost that's too narrow.

 

[sjturner79]

Yes, two nesting boxes.

She was separated when they were younger for a couple days but that was before the littles were laying. She sleeps in the nesting box too, but I don't think that's related..

I will try separating her. I just don't want to get rid of her if I can "train" her otherwise.

It is related. Her sleeping in the box is why she won't let the others lay. You need a roosting bar that is 4inch wide and just above the top of the nesting boxes. Close off the boxes with something at night for a few days so she can't sleep in them.
Once she starts sleeping on the roost she shoul let the others use the box.