Hens attacking other hens while they are laying

[branagh]

Hi,

Yesterday (Christmas Eve) my hens laid their first two eggs. Today they laid two more. I have ten chickens.

When I went out today I noticed a bit of blood on the combs of two of the hens.

As one was in the corner trying to lay her egg, others were coming over and attacking her violently. I had to hold them back from attacking her until she laid the egg.

My girls wouldn't use their milk crate roosting boxes so this afternoon we built new boxes as this was happening.

Is this normal behavior for hens to attack other hens while laying? If not, any suggestions?

Thanks!

Robert

 

[speckledhen]

Is the hen laying very low on the totem pole? I have one who will attack the very low-ranking ones beneath her, especially when they first begin laying and it's one of the very first times she has seen them on a nest. Have no clue why she does it, but after awhile, she finds other things to do and leaves them alone. It almost looks like a club initiation, LOL.