MAJOR PROBLEM!!!! HELP!!!! one of my hens being attacked by the others

[Myst4]

I have noticed within the past week or so that one of my hens has spent a lot of time in the corner of the coop,facing it. If she isn't there she is in one of the nests,just standing there. Not socializing at all. Today,I noticed that she was outside with all the others..then suddenly my roo jumped on her back.I thought he was going to breed with her,until I saw that he was holding her down and pecking at her head. Then several,if not most, of the other hens ran over and started to do the same.. They were attacking her. I managed to scare them off long enough for her to escape and go into the coop,back in the corner. Anyone know why they would be turning against her? She has been with the flock since I've gotten them. I'm really scared that they might kill her. I can't understand why they are doing this.

 

[Myst4]

Is there anyone out there that can give me some advice on this???? Please help.....thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[jdypat]

i have 3 hens who are third generation inbred with the same rooster. they stand as you said.. facing each other and their tails down.. do not socialize do not eat til the others leave.. last in the roost. the other hens attack them if they get close.
I should cull them but they are no trouble. to me. jdy

 

[mmajw]

If there is blood or an open wound you need to remove her and put her somewhere where they cant get to her.

Do they have enough space?
Sometimes pecking like that can be caused by cramped conditions.

Do they have food and water all day?
Do they have grit or shells to feast on instead of her head?

Just some thoughts hope they help.

 

[Myst4]

Quote:
I could never cull anything...I might sell her though. She has been fine and accepted in the flock until recently(not sure why). I'm going to check around my area and see if I can find a newhome for her.

 

[mmajw]

I have one in a seperation pen right now because after a year of everything going ok, all of a sudden the others pecked her to the point of blood and her wing barbs showing. She is going to stay seperated until all her feathers grow back and then I will try and introduce her back in.

 

[SoccerMomof7]

Where are you from?

 

[Myst4]

Quote:
They have lots of space,food and water filled every day(I couldn't sleep at night without making sure any of my animals have a good supply of water and food). They also have shells and grit. They've only just recently started this. I think I might have to find another home for her

and she is such a nice hen(likes to be held).

 

[mmajw]

It is always the nice ones that get picked on. Mine is a sweet one too. I hope it works out for you.

You may want to try and seperating her for a while until they establish a new pecking order then try and re-introduce her and see if that makes a difference.

 

[priszilla]

I usually try to take out the meanies and keep the sweet ones- maybe take out the 1 or 2 most bully ones- and then re introduce them ina few days or a week. ANd if the roo is being ugly- take him out for up to a week- he isn't needed really.He may have better manners later on