Pecking order

[RJ]

I have three hens I have raised from one week old (two different breeds). They are five months old and one hen (the feather footed) has started laying. Ever since she started laying the bigger hen will peck her when she tries to eat. Seems like the big hen does not want to let the feather footed eat anything. It seems to be worse when I give them treats like tomatoes. They have never acted like this before and I don’t know what to do other than separate them. I live in town so my birds stay in a coop and separating them is a hard thing to do. Any thoughts?

 

[scrapmom5]

It really depends on the pecking...If it is not a severe pecking and just occasional or mild I would not worry about it. If it is causing harm I would separate the one pecking. Pecking can be normal for chickens to establish their pecking order. BUT, occasionally it can be harsh and needs a separation. I hope this helps.

Oh by the way... Welcome to BYC.

 

[arlee453]

Welcome!!

You might try having two feeders for your birds, so that the dominant one can have one all to herself?

It's worth a try.

Otherwise my advice is the same as the above...