runt being picked on!

[irishlotfarms]

I have 2 New Hampshire Red hens, 1 of which is the smallest and the other hen is regular size. Last night when I was feeding my chickens, the regular sized hen bit the upper neck/lower head area of the smaller hen. she let out the worst scream! I examined the hen and there was no signs of injury. I did separate the hen a couple of weeks ago (for a broken toe), and I put her back in with my flock, and there was no bullying. My question is what is this? Is it a delayed reaction of reintroducing her into the flock?

 

[sourland]

Chicken society is very frequently cruel - this sounds like normal pecking order reinforcement. As long as it does not consist of flat out attacks with blood letting, let them work things out. Bigger chickens pick on smaller chickens. Sort of like 'mean girls' in school.

 

[irishlotfarms]

Thanks so much! Do you think it has something to do with me separating her a couple of weeks ago?.

 

[sourland]

It may be a reaction to her being reintroduced, but generally such reactions are immediate.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Chicken society is very frequently cruel - this sounds like normal pecking order reinforcement. As long as it does not consist of flat out attacks with blood letting, let them work things out. Bigger chickens pick on smaller chickens. Sort of like 'mean girls' in school.

Yep - as you saw, no real damage was done, it was just someone asserting their place in the pecking order and reminding the other bird of her own place.