Pecking (picking) on a hen

[Mikee1948]

I have six hens, the latest were added in the spring (2 Australorps). They were pecked un-mercifully by the other hens for about two weeks, then things settled down. They eat, drink, and sleep together. And they are all laying. But every once in a while... well ONE of the lorps will start sounding off (BWAAACKKKK!) repeatedly. This causes one of the sex link hens ( I believe she's the boss) to also start sounding off, and then the pecking begins, where all the other hens (except the lorp's sister) take turns chasing and pecking her. Goes on for about 10 minutes till they tire of it. Is that one lorp challenging the older hen?

 

[skydivr000]

I have the same issue here. Have 17 girl about 4 months old and two days ago I added two australorps. I put them in the coop at night like I was suggested and all were fine while in the coop. the next morning the original girls began. It was like running a gauntlet for the two new ones. they didn't want to leave the coop. What is the answer?? I know I just took a dog cage and put the two new girls in it and next to the run with the old girls.. hopefully after a few days they will calm down.. These chicks are brutal

 

[Mikee1948]

Yeah but these hens have been sharing the same pen for 3 months now.