Mean chicken!! help!!

[chickenman101]

i have 2 hens and a rooster. here lately one of my hens wont let the other get near any food i give them. she just chases her away. ive tried putting two feeders in their run but she just runs back and forth to where ever the other hen is eating just to chase her away. why is she doing that and what should i do? also the hen who is being bullied just layed a soft shelled egg is this normal? any help is appreciated!! thannks

 

[chickenman101]

anyone?

 

[paddock36]

Is the hen that is being picked on always been together with the other hen or is she new?

 

[chickenman101]

i guess u can say their sisters, theyve been together since birth

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Do you offer oyster shell free choice to your flock? That may help with soft-shelled eggs.

Are your chickens all the same breed?

 

[chickenman101]

yes i give them oyster shells, dont really know how much of them shes getting to eat. they're both leghorns

 

[LynneP]

I suspect your problem is having too few hens. The dominant one is asserting her authority and has only a single victim to rule. The presence of the rooster exaggerates this, she wants his exclusive attention and she'll be sorry! If you have a way to take her out for a few days, I would, or to re-examine the composition of your flock.

such as

hens only
more hens

Would be very interested in hearing other opinions on this one.

 

[chickenman101]

thanks ill keep that in mind