Horse trying to kill hens?

[BetsyB0101]

My two year old Percheron cross filly has just today decided that she hates chickens. She is trying to stomp my hens when they come into her field. She has had chickens with her all her life! So has anyone ran into this? Am I going to have to get rid of my horse? I can't keep the hens out of the field. I have recently seen her chase a dog out of the field so knew she was territorial with other animals. Also recently she and the other two horses stomped a skunk. But I was shocked when she went after the hens. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

[Moonkit]

Perhaps she's coming into estrus(sp?) and hormones are making her irritable?

 

[BetsyB0101]

Yes that could be it. I keep forgetting she isn't a baby anymore. LOL. I am going to watch her and see. Hopefully she isn't fast enough to get one but my hens that go into the field are three years old so probably not the fastest. And they aren't scared of her which makes it worse. Thanks for the idea. I couldn't figure out what changed!

 

[ChicksinFL]

Could she had decided she doesn't like them because they are stealing food from her if you grain her. I have 4 horses and they all get along just fine with the free range ducks and turkeys. I know our one gelding was getting pissy with the poultry when they got bold enough to try to take grain out of his bucket, he is fine if they just eat any he spills but they aren't allowed to eat out of his bucket. He started nashing teeth at them when they'd try to get into his bucket and it soon stopped.

Some horses just don't like smaller animals, I hope that doesn't become the case with your horse but the fact she chased a dog recently may be a telling sign of her personality emerging more as she ages.