Non-laying 1 year old hen bullying other egg layers

[klaneyg]

I have a one year old brown leghorn who has never laid an egg. The past few months she has started egg-laying behaviors (sitting in egg box, doing egg calls, etc) but she has never produced an egg. Trust me, I check every time she calls and multiple times a day.

Our new pullets have just started laying in the past few weeks and we’ve noticed an increase in her bullying when they go to lay. The leghorn will chase the pullets out of the nesting boxes, peck them incessantly while they’re trying to lay, and overall get real aggressive towards them during their laying process.

1. Is there something wrong with her that she hasn’t laid yet at one year old?
2. What do I do about her behaviors so my other younger chickens feel comfortable to lay?

 

[aart]

Was the LH a single bird before the youngers were introduced or are there other birds in the flock?
She may just be 'crazy'. I would isolate her so she can't bother the new layers.

 

[klaneyg]

Was the LH a single bird before the youngers were introduced or are there other birds in the flock?
She may just be 'crazy'. I would isolate her so she can't bother the new layers.

LH is part a 3 bird flock and then I introduced a 4 bird flock in January. The older 2 with her are barred rocks (tops of the pecking order) and they pretty much leave the youngsters alone.

For context, I had another LH with the older flock that unexpectedly died in the fall

 

[Yardmom]

Not sure about why she is not laying, but it is normal for the low bird in the pecking order to be the most aggressive towards new birds.

 

[aart]

LH is part a 3 bird flock and then I introduced a 4 bird flock in January. The older 2 with her are barred rocks (tops of the pecking order) and they pretty much leave the youngsters alone.

For context, I had another LH with the older flock that unexpectedly died in the fall

Did she bother the youngers when you first integrated them, or did this just start?

 

[Red Rhodes Island hybrid]

I have a one year old brown leghorn who has never laid an egg. The past few months she has started egg-laying behaviors (sitting in egg box, doing egg calls, etc) but she has never produced an egg. Trust me, I check every time she calls and multiple times a day

Our new pullets have just started laying in the past few weeks and we’ve noticed an increase in her bullying when they go to lay. The leghorn will chase the pullets out of the nesting boxes, peck them incessantly while they’re trying to lay, and overall get real aggressive towards them during their laying process.

1. Is there something wrong with her that she hasn’t laid yet at one year old?
2. What do I do about her behaviors so my other younger chickens feel comfortable to lay?

For aggression, I recommend purchasing a rooster (if it is no inconvenience) as it is like to stop squabbling concerning the pecking order among females. I had a female who, consequently was traumatised and despite her continuos effort never layed and egg, there be some discomfort. With my own hens I sometimes place a China, clay or egg made out of a similar material as this encourages them to lay. I would not risk putting in a real egg as if she is aggressive she made destroy and this will induce further consumption of eggs. If all else fails , there may be some physical discomfort I advise checking with a local vet or poultry specialist. Good luck

 

[belindakinder04]

I have a one year old brown leghorn who has never laid an egg. The past few months she has started egg-laying behaviors (sitting in egg box, doing egg calls, etc) but she has never produced an egg. Trust me, I check every time she calls and multiple times a day.

Our new pullets have just started laying in the past few weeks and we’ve noticed an increase in her bullying when they go to lay. The leghorn will chase the pullets out of the nesting boxes, peck them incessantly while they’re trying to lay, and overall get real aggressive towards them during their laying process.

1. Is there something wrong with her that she hasn’t laid yet at one year old?
2. What do I do about her behaviors so my other younger chickens feel comfortable to lay?

Are you sure she is a leghorn. They are usely white and another reason, it may be a meat bird, only for eating. They only live a few months to a year or so.

 

[JedJackson]

A Leghorn not laying by a year old probably has reproductive problems and never will lay.

As far as the aggression goes, it will probably work itself out over time. Chickens do not like change, so the behavior of the younger pullets may be stressing the Leghorn out. If things don't improve you may have to consider re-homing her, but the pecking order will change if you do, and it could make things worse.

 

[Yardmom]

Are you sure she is a leghorn. They are usely white and another reason, it may be a meat bird, only for eating. They only live a few months to a year or so.

Leghorns come on a variety of colors. Also meat birds still lay eggs.