Mean Hen

[jporter]

My husband's co-worker gave us 5 black Astolorps when moving away to add to our 3-breed flock of 12 . The only problem with these beautiful year-old Astrolorp hens the owner told us, is that one constantly attacks at least 3 of the other 5, This is still continuing after one year. Now, she is attacking also some of our original flock, and we don't know what to do about it. She jumps on their backs and attacks their neck and also their heads. One looks as if she may have gotten pecked nearer her eye as well. I do want to eliminate the thought of over-crowding as "Storey's chicken book suggests; there is plenty of yard and coop space. Have any of you dealt with a mean hen such as this and know how to STOP this angry pecking? .

 

[mcjessen]

I have a mean BA that folks here on the board have suggested I separate from the flock for a while. That might work in your case if you can separate her. Mine used the be a sweet heart but has become a brat in the last few months.

 

[Ilovemyladies!]

The jumping on the back and attacking necks sounds like something a rooster would do. That's how roosters mate. It sounds like you have a rooster. Could you upload a picture so I could see how big his comb is?

 

[jporter]

Thank you. We might try to do that. My only concern is that it would continue once the separation ended. But, it is better than letting her 'canibilize' the others; I'd hate to find one dead in the yard.
Thanks,
Janice

 

[GrandmaChickie]

I had a hen like that--and it was definitely a hen. She was at the bottom of the pecking order until we got some cochins, and it was like she was taking it all out on these sweet little things. Even at the bottom of the pecking order, SHE never got treated like that! But boy, she dished it out. I gave her to a friend of mine, who has a larger flock, and strangely enough, she integrated right in--no getting picked on, no picking on others. That's what I suggest--I don't have the time or tolerance for meanness. Get rid of her.

 

[jporter]

I also want to add that this hen attacks the throat area; that's where most of their feathers are missing from. No blood drawn, but bare skin is showing. This is our 3rd flock we've ever owned, and have never seen this behavior.

 

[jporter]

I think that might be the best solution overall. I might try to trade her, or just give her to someone we know who also has chickens. I just hope she doesn't cause them problems. But as you said, yours did not.
Thanks so much for writing.

 

[jporter]

No, she's not a rooster. She doesn't crow, have a large comb or big bushy tail. This mean hen also attacks the feathers around the throat area, so its not just the back. She pulls feathers out of their front neck or throat and expose bare skin. Its pitiful looking. I almost want to put this one in the pot.
Thanks for writing.

 

[jporter]

Separating is a good idea. I may separate her to the point of giving her away, or trading . .
Thanks for writing.

 

[jporter]

Thank you all for taking the time to make suggestions and write me. I appreciate you all so much.
Janice