Hens attacking each other

[Sue087]

Thank you all for letting me join your group.... I have a few hens all ex batts ( my girls as they are known) and have never had a major before.... but today I collected 8 new ex batts from a rescue centre... usually I would transport them in boxes or cat carriers but today I used a large dog crate...on the way home there was a bit of a scuffle and when I got out to check them... they had killed one of the hens..I am in a state of shock at the speed it happened and the brutality involved.. what I am worried about is now they have a taste for blood will it happen again.... I have them in a separate run from my old girls with plenty of food, water and lots of room

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I would imagine that the victim bird was exhibiting signs of weakness / illness and that precipitated the attack. Harsh, but normal in the chicken world I’m afraid. As far as becoming blood-thirsty - I’d leave that to Dracula

 

[Sue087]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I would imagine that the victim bird was exhibiting signs of weakness / illness and that precipitated the attack. Harsh, but normal in the chicken world I’m afraid. As far as becoming blood-thirsty - I’d leave that to DraculaQUOTE][/QUOTE

 

[getaclue]

Quarantine them, and when ready to introduce them, keep them penned, but visible to prospective flock mates. Supervise it when you put them together. There will be a bit of a scuffle, but no bloodshed, and after the initial bit of scuffle, you can break it up.

 

[Sue087]

Thanks I hope that’s what it was ...it’s just they weren’t in the crate for very long only for the journey home for them to decide she was the weakest

 

[snow5164]

That does sound scarey , just make sure you quarantine them for a few weeks, watch and make sure they’re healthy .

Don’t let them near your birds till you know them .... good luck

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!

 

[tjo804]

The Learning center has some good articles to give you an idea of what to look for


Look into pecking order and a nice one on bullies. Lots of info.

It is sad, but not surprising.

 

[Hope Hughes]

Welcome to BYC!!
So sorry for your loss and the situation you were in.
You have come to the right place
Everyone here is always ready and willing to help with any questions you may have. Or just to chat and have fun!
Also check out the Learning Center, it has so much information on every subject you can think of.
Enjoy your time here, glad to have you!!
​

 

[tjo804]

I am sorry for your loss
Especially since she was goin to have a home

I saw this on a fire evacuation thread. This is not my picture! But keep this in mind for your next group

These happy passengers were escaping hurricane Irma