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Is this "top hen" behavior, and is it normal?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by Robin'sBrood, Jan 22, 2010.

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  1. Jan 22, 2010 #1
    Robin'sBrood

    Robin'sBrood Flock Mistress

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    May 8, 2008
    North Carolina
    I have 1 roo in with 13 hens. Whenever he is mating with one of the younger girls, my older hen runs over to them and pecks the poor girl in the head! I've also recently noticed that at roost time she is last to go in the coop, after she has sent the others to bed. She just started doing this rounding up part, after her molt. Is this a dominance thing? Is it normal?


    Edited to add... she will be 2 in April and the girls she harasses will be a year in 1 - 4 months.
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2010
  3. Jan 22, 2010 #2
    Mandalina

    Mandalina Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Apr 1, 2009
    Savannah,MO
    I have one hen who is dominant also. she bosses the roo around when she feels like it. she has been doing it since they were in the brooder though.
     

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