Pullet suddenly aggressive

[jonalisa]

Thanks everyone for your comments!
A few notes: None of my hens are broody. They eat Nutrena layer crumbles. I don't have heat in the coop regularly, but have used a sealed oil radiator on occasion to keep temps above zero at night. It is secured in a wire dog crate. I have done this 3 years with no issues. I make hot quinoa on super frigid mornings that I mix in with feed.
My coop has 2 high level roosts over a poop board for night time, but also multiple roosts at different levels all over the coop. They have kale and Savoy cabbage available to pick that I hang.
I only shut the door to the run when they are huddling away from the door. Even when it doesn't seem that cold or drafty, the door remains open but they don't go out. Their choice.
I've never had this kind of pecking. 8 hens are 5 years old. 3 are 3 years old. The 3 pullets were born this May and till now were like the Three Musketeers. I noticed the white pullet was starting to peck my mouth when I held her and then this big fight yesterday. After the fight, she ran from hen to hen pecking the butt feathers of others.It seemed sudden and bizarre. I thought if she was eating the feathers, perhaps it was a protein thing. Incidentally, the two siblings that fought are the only 2 laying.

 

[aart]

Can you keep the aggressor in a crate in the coop for her time outs?
Did you 'peck' her back when she pecked your face?
Cabin Fever is real...even for chickens.
Maybe add some animal protein 'treats'?
Hard to say exactly what the problem is that set her off.

 

[Welshies]

Thanks everyone for your comments!
A few notes: None of my hens are broody. They eat Nutrena layer crumbles. I don't have heat in the coop regularly, but have used a sealed oil radiator on occasion to keep temps above zero at night. It is secured in a wire dog crate. I have done this 3 years with no issues. I make hot quinoa on super frigid mornings that I mix in with feed.
My coop has 2 high level roosts over a poop board for night time, but also multiple roosts at different levels all over the coop. They have kale and Savoy cabbage available to pick that I hang.
I only shut the door to the run when they are huddling away from the door. Even when it doesn't seem that cold or drafty, the door remains open but they don't go out. Their choice.
I've never had this kind of pecking. 8 hens are 5 years old. 3 are 3 years old. The 3 pullets were born this May and till now were like the Three Musketeers. I noticed the white pullet was starting to peck my mouth when I held her and then this big fight yesterday. After the fight, she ran from hen to hen pecking the butt feathers of others.It seemed sudden and bizarre. I thought if she was eating the feathers, perhaps it was a protein thing. Incidentally, the two siblings that fought are the only 2 laying.

She may be lacking protein... Chickens need 18-20% protein.

 

[jonalisa]

Thanks for your replies. I took the aggressor out for 3 days. When I returned her to the run (which now has a 4 bale straw mountain, hanging CDs, suet cages with greens and cabbages,) she pretty much minded her business. Once in the coop, she fought with the same pullet but it was brief. She is still walking around like she's all that but there isn't much action. So far so good. However, she is the last one up on the roost at night and she gets up there and bullies others around until she finds her spot. I also keep both pop doors open during the day now.