Normal happy hens turn nasty killers!!! HELP

[bantamenace]

We have a small flock of 4 * 24 week old wyandotte and australorp, they have got along great for more than 4 months but just 2 days ago 3 of them decided it was time to attack our only laying wyandotte. she is puffing up her feathers and they are pecking her neck and wattles. We have no idea how this all started and would like some help to know how to fix it. Thanks in advance for all help advice.

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

are the attackers laying eggs yet?

 

[bantamenace]

No they havent laid any eggs at all yet, but she (Francis) has been laying for about 3-4 weeks.

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

jealous hens?
I have heard of hen breaking the eggs of others hens that have layed before they did

 

[bantamenace]

Thanks, we thought they might be jealous-she does spend a little bit of time laying her eggs while they are all outside. Hopefully it will settle down but at the moment i think it is certain death if she goes out. Poor girl.

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

Maybe you should just keep her separate until the other hens lay
Lucky me all of my hens started laying the same day