Old hen looking bullied

[Kiwiheather]

I have 3 hens, two 4 year olds, and one 7 year old.. My old hen was always the ruler of the roost. The last few days, I have noticed she has a bunch of feathers missing from around the top of her neck.. Like a pretty big bald spot. My younger barred rock has always bullied the one her age, but never to the extent I saw feathers missing. I can't see any other reason my old hen would have feathers missing other than her.. Will hens pick on an older matriarch when she stops laying? What can I do to get peace in my little flock? They have lived together since the younger ones were old enough to be outside. Any insight is appreciated greatly!

 

[BYC910]

What type of enclosure ? If they in a small area then she could be putting her head through the fence. That would do that to her feathers . My hens lose feathers by putting their heads through the chain link fence to graze . More likely she has lost her place at the top of the pecking order . If the aggression is bad enough you may have to separate them .

 

[Kiwiheather]

They are in a 8x10 coop to sleep, then a 30'x30' run until the afternoon when I let them into the yard 1+acre to free-range. She has never in 7 years had this problem, I don't know where or who I would separate.. Thanks!!

 

[Pork Pie]

They are in a 8x10 coop to sleep, then a 30'x30' run until the afternoon when I let them into the yard 1+acre to free-range. She has never in 7 years had this problem, I don't know where or who I would separate.. Thanks!!

If you could identify the main aggressor(s) and separate those, then it may be one option - you could do this for a few weeks, in the hope that they lose they status on the pecking order and should be less likely to start attacks. Alternatively, separate the old hen, with another couple of non-aggressive younger ones, as a longer-term option. I'm sure there are other possibilities that others will chime in with.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

No chicken tolerates weakness well. Often when the former ruler of the roost is deposed the new alfa bird or birds will hound and even kill the old ruler. This is why you never hear of a chicken retiring.

 

[Eggcessive]

Are you in Australia or in the US? In the US, many chickens are going through their yearly molt, and most will lose large patches of neck feathers early. I have a couple of lower pecking order chickens who will stand around and let their buddies peck out feathers at other times of the year. Make sure that your layer feed contains at least 16% protein, and you can boost it to 20% just in case they are needing a boost.

 

[Kiwiheather]

Are you in Australia or in the US? In the US, many chickens are going through their yearly molt, and most will lose large patches of neck feathers early. I have a couple of lower pecking order chickens who will stand around and let their buddies peck out feathers at other times of the year. Make sure that your layer feed contains at least 16% protein, and you can boost it to 20% just in case they are needing a boost.

I'm is Southern US.. I never saw her molt from the neck down but that'd be great if thats what is going on.. I will continue to watch for signs. They're all on an organic layer feed with high protein even though she doesn't lay eggs regularly anymore. Keeping an eye for now! Thanks

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is a good link about molting: http://www.grit.com/animals/molting-what-is-it--how-to-help-chickens-get-through-it

 

[BYC910]

Always look to make sure they aren't drawing blood . If they draw blood you'll have to separate the old hen or they will kill it for sure . As long as they aren't being aggressive enough to draw blood the feathers will grow back .There was someone that used Stockholm tar as a pecking deterrent. Never used it but I did see it at tractor supply. You might try that. You can use a metal dog crate to separate the hen .Gallon plastic milk jugs make good waters and feeders just tie them in the corners and cut holes big enough for them to get to the water and feed easily .Use a crate as large as you get in the coop and not be a problem for you . That keeps her a member of the flock . Good luck with her .