I own five hens, three from the same clutch (almost two years old) and twin barnevelders (about ten months old). Since the time the barnevelders were chicks, the older hens have pecked at them and harried them without end. Most chicken owners I spoke to told me this was normal, and that the hens would calm down once their pecking order was re-established. Now, almost six months later, only one of the barnevelders can get anywhere near the older girls. The runt (not in size, but in courage) still has problems with the three older hens. I'd been excited lately, since they'd started to leave her alone. This week, however, I came running outside because I could hear them fighting, and I heard one chicken almost screaming. They had cornered the youngest hen (her name is Nugget) while she was on the laying box, and had proceeded to gang up on her and tear her comb almost halfway off. There's blood all over the laying box, and none of the hens will go anywhere near it. I rushed poor Nugget to the local vet and he sewed her comb back on, but now I have no idea what to do!! This can't be normal chicken behavior!! Now Nugget is so scared of laying, she hides on top of our garage shelves, and tries to hide behind the boxes. Please help me! I have no ideas left, and I don't want to have to get rid of any of my chickens!
~Carolyne
~Carolyne
