Rooster Pile-on

[Driftwood Coop]

We had a strange thing happen over the weekend. We locked our 10 birds (9 hens, 1 rooster) in their coop for one day while we were away. We almost never lock them in the coop; they are usually able to get out during the day. When we got back, everyone was quiet and huddled in their corner (there's 3 "cliques"). The rooster was wandering around, bloodied. His comb was a mess -- very bloody and damaged. 3 of the hens also had feathers pecked out of their backs, and one had some blood on its head. Seemed like there must have been a mad, wild fight. Never seen anything like that happen before with this group.

 

[crazyhen]

check very carefully for an invader. Jean

 

[Bizzybirdy]

Yes, check carefully to see what may have gotten in. I doubt the chickens fought this much amongst themselves...especially with only one rooster! Looks like he may have been protecting his flock.

Things can get into the tiniest of spaces.....

 

[nzpouter]

the chickens will huddle on the corner furthest away from the intruder and the rooster will stand in between...

So check around the coop for entry point.