Pullets attacking another while laying an egg

[juvanate18]

My white leghorns just started laying Sat. and already I seem to have a problem. While one is in the nesting box trying to lay an egg the others take turns pecking her and trying to rip her comb off. I have had to remove one because she is bleeding everywhere which makes them peck her worse. I have 10 chickens and 3 boxes so they have other boxes that are empty. They will peck all the chickens in the box, but only one they are violent enough to injure. What can I do to make them stop?

 

[sangel4you]

I wish I knew the answer to that to help you! I know bluekote is good to put on the wounds tho! Just out of curiosity how old are they that since they started laying? It's odd that they all want to lay at once! Hopefully someone with experience can help!

 

[juvanate18]

They are 18 weeks old and only 5 are laying so far.

 

[RendonRoo]

I agree with treating it with blue kote. It will help heal the wound and the others won't like the taste. Sounds like they are just starting to lay and may be confused about what's happening. Hopefully they will figure it out soon. Just keep treating the injuries. Good Luck

 

[sangel4you]

oh geez. I was told to expect my leghorns to start laying around 16 weeks. Thats a bummer. I have a whole nother month to wait then! good luck, I hope u get it figured out!