- Feb 23, 2014
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We have a flock of four, all 10 months old, and all were fine with the established pecking order that was worked out months ago. We have been dealing with a sick hen (https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/873474/welsummer-suddenly-lethargic) and this has caused a serious disruption in the force.
Now, if we had removed the #1 hen from the flock, I could understand the others reestablishing the pecking order. As best as we can make out, our sick Welsummer is #2, though. Since there are only three hens remaining in the run, the actual pecking order hasn't changed. Yet #1 and #3 have been ganging up on #4 while #2 is out of the coop/run. #4 was already at the bottom - we and they knew it.
Any thoughts on why they were ganging up on #4?
Cheers,
Now, if we had removed the #1 hen from the flock, I could understand the others reestablishing the pecking order. As best as we can make out, our sick Welsummer is #2, though. Since there are only three hens remaining in the run, the actual pecking order hasn't changed. Yet #1 and #3 have been ganging up on #4 while #2 is out of the coop/run. #4 was already at the bottom - we and they knew it.
Any thoughts on why they were ganging up on #4?
Cheers,