Hens suddenly fighting

[jessaleetown]

I have 4 hens. 2 EE's and 2 RIR's all about a year old, raised together since hatching. They share an 8X8 coop and free range every day. About two weeks ago I noticed that 1 of the EE's stopped laying. We checked for all of the usual concerns and everything seems fine. I have noticed she is shedding a lot of feathers and assume she is probably going through a molt? Yesterday, I heard a huge ruckus and assumed something had spooked them. When I went to check I found the two EE's fighting. Not pecking, running at each other with necks up and feet in the air fighting. I have never seen them do anything like this before. The EE who has stopped laying seems to be instigating it. She also appears to be at the bottom of the pecking order. Any ideas? I'm worried one of them will get hurt.

 

[dsqard]

Sounds like the pecking order might be in the process of being rearranged. I would just keep an eye on them to make sure no one gets seriously hurt.

 

[Judy]

I suspect you have a hen who is trying to take the role of a roo. Not laying and starting fights are two signs. If she starts climbing on the backs of the others or you hear a half strangled sounding attempt at a crow, then I'd say that's for sure what is going on.

 

[jessaleetown]

Is there something I should do? Anyway to keep her from becoming a Lola? ;-)

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Well, when it happened to me, I just waited til my roos grew up.

If there is, I don't know what it is, sorry.