Pecking

[Spencerc]

I have one hen who just pecks the other ones I just got them and they lived together before, the pecking isn't bad but it's bothersome to the other hens do I need to do anything or are they just establishing a pecking order?

 

[Judy]

Welcome to our forum!

They are probably working out their pecking order. In general, you can leave them alone as long as no one draws blood. If one is injured, the others will be drawn to the blood and attack it, so you will probably need to separate it.

If you have one particular bird that you feel is too aggressive, you can separaate it for a wekk, out of sight and hearing of the rest. Then when you return it to the flock, it will be a stranger and therefore low on the pecking order.

 

[Spencerc]

Welcome to our forum!

They are probably working out their pecking order.  In general, you can leave them alone as long as no one draws blood.  If one is injured, the others will be drawn to the blood and attack it, so you will probably need to separate it.

If you have one particular bird that you feel is too aggressive, you can separaate it for a wekk, out of sight and hearing of the rest.  Then when you return it to the flock, it will be a stranger and therefore low on the pecking order.

Thanks the pecks have been in like the butt no where where I think she would draw blood, I hope It stops, thanks for your answer

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Thanks the pecks have been in like the butt no where where I think she would draw blood, I hope It stops, thanks for your answer

In chickens pecking at the vent is a serous sign of cannibalism. The target of this pecking needs to be inspected closely for open wounds.