injured hen

[Skunklover]

I went on vacation and while I was gone someone let my girls out. My 1year old Americana was chased down the street and missing for two days. We found her in the neighbors rose bushes. She was a bit bloody and very quiet. We brought her home and her sisters are picking on her. Why would they pick on her when they know who she is? Is it because she is injured? How do I take care of this problem so they can all live happy together?

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Aw, I'm glad you found her. When a chicken is away from the flock or is acting sick they can move down the pecking order. The situation will probably improve in a few days is she was not hurt badly. Some people recommend putting up a barrier where they can see each other but not peck or contact the hurt chicken, but I don't know if that is warranted in her case or not.

 

[Noobchick]

Did you clean off all the blood? Chickens will peck at anything that looks weird, especially blood. If she's still noticeably injured, I would isolate her (where the other hens can see her but not peck at her, if possible). Keep her isolated till her wounds heal up. Otherwise, the other hens will just keep after her.