Henpecked

[MeatyCluckers]

I have six hens, all about 7 months old. Recently, one of my Delawares has been being assaulted by the other Delaware - specifically on the head. It’s not a constant battle, but every few days, poor Doorknob has a bloody head and I have to bring her in to apply antiseptic. The wounds have been near the comb or on her ear - they are superficial peck wounds that bleed but are not overly deep. The aggressor only picks on her, and no other hens pick on her, it’s a conflict exclusively between the two.

The weird thing is, they still often sleep next to each other on the roost or hang out near each other in the day.

I guess my ultimate question here is:
1) should I try to separate them at all? I do not have an isolation area but I could bring the bully inside for a bit and hope that resets thing? Or do I:
2) let it work itself out and assume it’s a pecking order thing that they need to just resolve?

It’s new and there haven’t been any changes to their routines or habitat, other than it’s getting colder and darker.

Thanks!

 

[sourland]

I'd try removing the aggressor from the flock for a couple of days.

 

[MeatyCluckers]

I'd try removing the aggressor from the flock for a couple of days.

Thanks! This is what I’m afraid because the aggressor is a LOUD chicken so having her in the house is gonna be a real joy

 

[Tonyroo]

I would keep her in for a week versus a couple of days. To make sure that bad behavior stops before the rest of the flocks learns it.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I agree with the above advice-if you separate the naughty one it will give Doorknob (great name BTW) time to heal and knock the aggressor down a few notches in the pecking order.