Lowest ranking hen attacking top hen.

[Rachy]

My lowest ranking hen has started attacking my top hen, pecking her head and doing cockerel fighting moves on her. My top hen runs away and is frightened. The rest of the pecking order remains unchanged everyone else treats the attacker as the lowest hen and respects the top hen as such. I am having to separate the offender at the moment but this can't go on indefinitely.

Any ideas as to why this is happening, I am at a loss.

 

[Judy]

If you don't have a rooster, it sounds like she is trying to step into the rooster's shoes. Sometimes they will even mount a hen and try to crow. Had this happen to me once. She quit the mounting and crowing attempts after a few months.

 

[Ellochicken]

If you live on a farm, you should try getting a rooster, just to keep flock order. That might help, but then again, it might not!

I think it's worth a shot though, and if it doesn't work, then you can always have fresh meat at the table!
I hope that this helps!

-Ellochicken

 

[Rachy]

Thanks for the replies

Neither the rooster or table is an option. I did wonder if she sehsed my top bird was unwell, she had bumble foot, and was picking on the weak link in the flock. Hmm, I guess I'll have to keep an eye on it and see how it goes.

Thanks again