One hen is being picked on a lot- its been going on for a long time

[RileyMels]

I have 12 hens and 2 roosters, and occasionally a hen will get beat up a bit and kicked out of the coop, so we usually let that bird stay in a separate cage in the garage for a few nights. We usually never have to let someone sleep in the garage for more than a week, but right now we have a hen who's been in there for almost two weeks. She is a Rhode island red hen who used to be high up in the pecking order and was always the one to pick on everyone else. But lately the other hens have been really mean to her, her comb is covered in scabs and such, her eye was swollen shut for a day after they pecked at it, and the back of her head has a bunch of feathers pulled out and is kinda bloody. She stays away from the others when they're outside, but they sometimes will chase her down and gang up on her.I also noticed that her comb has sort of flopped down some. She has plenty of water and food in cage. She let's people pick her up when she normally wouldn't. Is she sick? How do I get the others to leave her alone?

 

[aart]

How big is your coop and your run(feet by feet)?

Separating a bird out of sight for even a few days then letting her back with the others can cause problems.

How old are these birds?
2 roosters for 12 hens might not be a good balance.

Need to know more about your situation to really help.

 

[azygous]

I would say, yes, your picked on hen is probably ailing. A flock picks up on subtle changes in one of their own, especially if they're a high ranking member because it signals that her rank is vulnerable to challenge.

Her floppy comb can signal a change in fertility or overall health. Note the color of her comb. If it's dark, dusky purple, she may have a tumor inhibiting breathing. If the comb is very pale, she may have an infection or may be starting molt. Keep watch on her behavior. Standing still in one place with her head tucked in and tail down, or in a corner facing the wall, indicates not feeling well.