Nestbox Fighting

[Wyorp Rock]

I cleaned her off really well and slathered some ointment on her. She’s in my shower right now and while I know you don’t typically want to isolate the victim, I worry about returning her with an exposed ear. Any advice as far as treating her? She acts ok, if a bit subdued.

I'd keep the ointment on her ear for a few days, it will probably heal quickly.
If possible, put her back with her flock and see how they all behave when you can monitor them.

Any signs of what may be happening on the camera?

 

[murphrandir]

I'd keep the ointment on her ear for a few days, it will probably heal quickly.
If possible, put her back with her flock and see how they all behave when you can monitor them.

Any signs of what may be happening on the camera?

I reintegrated her yesterday and let everyone out to free range and things seemed to go well. I do think I've identified at least a potential culprit. I've seen my Barnevelder go after at least 3 other hens in that time. Not to this degree but I am certainly suspicious.

 

[coach723]

You may have a bully, and since it's spring and laying is ramping up, they may be getting irrate about a particular nest box that they want. One thing that has helped in my large flock is seeding all the nest boxes with fake "eggs". If the box looks used I've found they tend to be more willing to use it. I use golf balls as I had a lot of old ones, (they don't know the difference), you can also buy fake eggs and I've heard of some using colored plastic easter eggs. I just keep them in the boxes all the time now, it's more peaceful.

 

[murphrandir]

You may have a bully, and since it's spring and laying is ramping up, they may be getting irrate about a particular nest box that they want. One thing that has helped in my large flock is seeding all the nest boxes with fake "eggs". If the box looks used I've found they tend to be more willing to use it. I use golf balls as I had a lot of old ones, (they don't know the difference), you can also buy fake eggs and I've heard of some using colored plastic easter eggs. I just keep them in the boxes all the time now, it's more peaceful.

That’s the frustrating part… this particular bird doesn’t roost or lay in this coop. She only comes in to bother them. And I have fake eggs in every box! We have 30 birds and 18 nest boxes.

 

[coach723]

Sounds like she's a brat! You might have to try separating that bird, see if you can reset her position in the pecking order.
Only other thing that caught my eye, was the sides between boxes being low. Kind of leaves them vulnerable from the sides when another bird is in the next box over. Might try raising those dividers between boxes higher, so they can't see over them when they are in them. Some stiff cardboard would probably work in the short term to see if it makes any difference.
I also used to use curtains on my box fronts, but got rid of them due to how dirty they got. But that makes the interloper at a disadvantage as the bird inside can see them poking their head in before the incomer can get in.

 

[murphrandir]

Sounds like she's a brat! You might have to try separating that bird, see if you can reset her position in the pecking order.
Only other thing that caught my eye, was the sides between boxes being low. Kind of leaves them vulnerable from the sides when another bird is in the next box over. Might try raising those dividers between boxes higher, so they can't see over them when they are in them. Some stiff cardboard would probably work in the short term to see if it makes any difference.
I also used to use curtains on my box fronts, but got rid of them due to how dirty they got. But that makes the interloper at a disadvantage as the bird inside can see them poking their head in before the incomer can get in.

I did consider some curtains as well. It seems that they are entering from the front when the confrontation is occurring. How did you do yours?

 

[coach723]

I was able to use a tension rod and hang the curtains across the entire front, with slits at each box. You could also just attach with screws and use clothes line across. I've seem some use strips, like carwash strips, and some cut them in a taper, so there is a slight opening in the middle. Some birds will be reluctant to go through them until they get used to them, so they may have to be held back for a time and slowly close the opening. They don't have to be fancy or fashionable, just functional. I've seen all kinds of materials used. Actual attachment will depend on your set up and construction that exists.
There are some pictures with examples here:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/nest-box-curtains-more-than-fashion/
And a couple more:

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Good idea Coach.

Hopefully you can move the offender for a while and see if the problems resolve.

 

[Jeff_Stone]

Yikes! That must have been a scary sight. You're absolutely right—combs bleed like crazy even from small injuries, so it probably looked worse than it actually was. It sounds like you did all the right things by cleaning her up and using Vetericyn.

To prevent this from happening again, you might want to:

Check nest box space – Sometimes hens get aggressive if there aren’t enough boxes or if one particular spot is a ‘favorite.’ Try adding more options or even putting a decoy egg in a less popular box to encourage them to spread out.
Monitor pecking order – If it was an isolated incident, it could’ve been a random fight, but if one hen is bullying others, you might need to observe them and separate the aggressor if it continues.
Reduce stress – Make sure they’re not overcrowded, have enough food/water access, and aren’t getting too bored (hanging cabbages, scratch piles, or even a flock block can help keep them occupied).
Blu-Kote or anti-pick spray – Since chickens are drawn to red/blood, keeping her comb covered until it heals might prevent further pecking.

If it keeps happening, you might have a particularly dominant hen who’s causing trouble. Hopefully, it was just a one-time squabble! Keep an eye on her and give her some TLC.