- Jun 15, 2010
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Background: We had 6 hens. They were raised together and bought as chicks. Then one got taken down by a dog and we have now replaced her with another. This was just a few days ago. But it seems that the one that was killed was the head of the pecking order, and so all hell has broken loose in that regard. My chickens are 10 wks old now, and I have several breeds. Two Buff Orphingtons, one Americana, one Black Asrolorp, and one new 14 wk old Light Barhma. The light Barhma was just introduced to the flock this week. We were told by the chicken guy to just toss her in and let them hammer it out. It seemed to be working until tonight. My Astrolorp hen is MEAN! She has made two other hens bleed tonight, and she won't let the new one roost on the roosting poll at all. What should I do? (If anything?) Should I really just let them hammer it out? I know she isn't a roo... Her comb and feathers are very much 'hen' but she is SO dominate! Jumping on the other hens backs, taking food from their mouths and then dropping it to peck at them, chasing them and making their combs bleed. It's really kind of horrible to watch. How long do I let this go on before removing her from the set?
Thanks!
Thanks!