Need advice, quick

[farmingchic]

I've searched through the threads, but can't find a situation quite like mine. I have 2 Americana hens. They are 1 yr. old now. One yellow and one black. I've had them both since they were day old chicks. They have been best friends all along. They yellow hen has always looked out for the black one, so I assumed the yellow was higher in pecking order. For the last 2 days the black hen has starting attacking the yellow hen. She is attacking her nonstop while in the run, will not let her get on the roost, and when I let them out to free range. I have tried to stay outside as much as possible to keep an eye on her. Today, when the black hen started to run towards the yellow hen she came and hid behind me for me to protect her. This is breaking my heart. What could cause this sudden and drastic change in behavior? Is there anything I can do to fix it? The black hen attacked the yellow hen so much she was bleeding today. Thanks in advance!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Are they the only two hens you have, or are there more? First thing I would do is check over the yellow hen very carefully to be sure nothing is wrong with her, chickens will often attack weak or sick flock mates. Otherwise it sounds like they are rearranging their pecking order, pecking orders will occasionally change, especially when the birds are still young, the BYC Learning Center has a couple of good articles on pecking order and bully hens https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/a-guide-to-understanding-the-chicken-pecking-order and https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bullying-behavior-in-chickens I would separate the black hen out for a couple of days, that usually will drop them a little in the pecking order. If the yellow hen is bleeding, you might want to treat her wounds with Blue-Cote or something similar so the other chickens aren't attracted to her wounds and peck at them.

 

[farmingchic]

Thank you. Yes, it is just the 2 hens. I think I will separate the black hen for a few days. The behavior is much more aggressive than just a few pecks here and there. The black hen will jump on top of the yellow hen and peck and flog repeatedly. I hope separating her works. Thanks again.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Sorry about the problems you are having, that does sound a lot more aggressive than the usual pecking order disagreements ... are they laying / may the black one be broody or going broody, some hens can get really aggressive when they are broody or thinking about going broody..... and you are sure they are both hens?

 

[farmingchic]

Yes, they are both laying. I am just concerned that they got along so well for 1 year, and now this. I did find an egg lying in the run instead of in the nest inside the coop 2 days ago. This morning I went to check and the black hen had the yellow hen pinned down in the coop. I seperated them! Just hope after a few days it's solved. I hate for either one to be by themselves.

 

[realsis]

Yes I would definitely separate them. How many birds do you have? I'd might house them in different areas if they continue to fight . Watch the black one closely because she can actually kill the other bird. Also she can keep the other bird from eating in a attempt to starve her out as well. I would try and keep them separately for awhile. If they continue fighting after that you might want to permanently keep them separate if possible. Hope this helps. Good luck and God bless.