question about hen dominance.

[tknjk]

I have 1 barred rock, 3 buff rocks, and 3 black austerlorps. in the last week or so I have noticed one of the austerlorps acting a little mean or something.
If I reach into the coop to touch another chicken or to get one out it comes at me. If I pick her up she's just fine. Tonight I had one of my buff rocks out, and
when I went to put her back the austerlorp in question pecked her pretty hard a couple times. Before anyone says it NO she is not a rooster. they are all
just at 5 months old right now. What is going on with this black austerlorp?

 

[rockabilly7]

Well if you dont have a rooster this hen might have taken the role as the flock leader.

 

[moduckman]

There's nothing wrong. This is part of chicken life - it's called pecking order. Relax and let things work themselves out.

 

[tknjk]

That's kinda what I was thinking I just wanted to make sure.