Second hen falls to fourth rank

[Kristin209]

I have four hens. I introduced two about four months ago and it went smoothly. Between 2-4 weeks ago the two youngest started laying. The second one in the pecking order is now lowest. She isn’t coming out of the coop. The other three hens are being so nasty to her. It is like they never met her. I haven’t been able to find any information about how long this will last or why it even happens. As much as I love hens- I hate the pecking demonstrated. I stood there sobbing in the coop when my hen stayed hunkered after being dominated and 3 weeks ago she was giving it to the others.

 

[jolenesdad]

How old is the hen that is now lower on the order? It’s possible she is molting.

To give advice people will want to know a few things like: how big is the coop and run, how many feed and water stations do you have, and if you can provide photos that would help people give advice.

Once pullets start laying, they officially join the pecking order, essentially at the bottom until that point. Ive got an 8 week old chick now that I can tell will be near the top of the whole flock eventually.

Nasty fights usually come down to space and resources. Without knowing much of your setup, I’d consider adding feed and water stations, even temporary ones. Additional roost space in the run and coop wouldn’t hurt either.

 

[Labradors]

Check her out for disease/mites. There could be a reason for them being nasty!

I've had a similar thing with my four. The highest in the pecking order has vent gleet, and the lowest, who she always pecked and shoved out of the way is now repaying her in spades, pecking at her, making her bleed, and being quite nasty to all the hens. I put Miss Bossy in a time-out for a few days. She stayed in a separate run adjoining the other one and she spent her nights in a dog crate in the basement (as I didn't want her asserting herself and hurting anyone first thing in the morning).

Four days apart really did make a difference. Poor Bossy really wanted to be with the flock, and they gave it to her when she returned, but now they seem to be ok although she still has it in for the ex-alpha chicken, but at least she doesn't draw blood!

 

[Kristin209]

Their roost is about 20sq’

 

[Kristin209]

They have 800 sq ft. 3 eating stations and five water stations. I have four hens total.

How old is the hen that is now lower on the order? It’s possible she is molting.

To give advice people will want to know a few things like: how big is the coop and run, how many feed and water stations do you have, and if you can provide photos that would help people give advice.

Once pullets start laying, they officially join the pecking order, essentially at the bottom until that point. Ive got an 8 week old chick now that I can tell will be near the top of the whole flock eventually.

Nasty fights usually come down to space and resources. Without knowing much of your setup, I’d consider adding feed and water stations, even temporary ones. Additional roost space in the run and coop wouldn’t hurt either.

How old is the hen that is now lower on the order? It’s possible she is molting.

To give advice people will want to know a few things like: how big is the coop and run, how many feed and water stations do you have, and if you can provide photos that would help people give advice.

Once pullets start laying, they officially join the pecking order, essentially at the bottom until that point. Ive got an 8 week old chick now that I can tell will be near the top of the whole flock eventually.

Nasty fights usually come down to space and resources. Without knowing much of your setup, I’d consider adding feed and water stations, even temporary ones. Additional roost space in the run and coop wouldn’t hurt either.

How old is the hen that is now lower on the order? It’s possible she is molting.

To give advice people will want to know a few things like: how big is the coop and run, how many feed and water stations do you have, and if you can provide photos that would help people give advice.

Once pullets start laying, they officially join the pecking order, essentially at the bottom until that point. Ive got an 8 week old chick now that I can tell will be near the top of the whole flock eventually.

Nasty fights usually come down to space and resources. Without knowing much of your setup, I’d consider adding feed and water stations, even temporary ones. Additional roost space in the run and coop wouldn’t hurt either.

 

[Kristin209]

The pecked on hen is 1.5 yrs and quit laying eggs 2-3 months ago. I assumed it was the heat but think otherwise now.

 

[Kristin209]

She hasn’t molted this year or at least not yet. Sorry for the choppy responses- I am a newbie at this sight plus very emotional about my hen being maligned. The pecking order seems to touch a very sensitive part of my soul. I am very much for the underdog I guess.

 

[Kristin209]

Thanks! I always thought the pecking order was self prophetic. A sick one gets pecked on and maligned and never allowed to recuperate. I have her in her own run convalescing. We had our first rain and weather change so she isn’t feeling herself and with the other hens not allowing her nourishment- she will never get well. I came back from a five day vacay but before I left I notice her bow to her underling- I think the drama must have unfolded while I was gone. What disturbs me is that I read a dissertation about the intelligence of chickens and how they have transitive intelligence. Meaning if hen A is higher than B and B is higher than C and C is higher than D then hen D doesnt challenge B or A because the hens understand the inference. This morning the alpha hen and third in command gave it to her at the same time which is when I separated them. There is a lot written about the hierarchy but not about when it goes awry.

Check her out for disease/mites. There could be a reason for them being nasty!

I've had a similar thing with my four. The highest in the pecking order has vent gleet, and the lowest, who she always pecked and shoved out of the way is now repaying her in spades, pecking at her, making her bleed, and being quite nasty to all the hens. I put Miss Bossy in a time-out for a few days. She stayed in a separate run adjoining the other one and she spent her nights in a dog crate in the basement (as I didn't want her asserting herself and hurting anyone first thing in the morning).

Four days apart really did make a difference. Poor Bossy really wanted to be with the flock, and they gave it to her when she returned, but now they seem to be ok although she still has it in for the ex-alpha chicken, but at least she doesn't draw blood!

 

[Chickassan]

It is hard to watch but it is what chickens do. I can suggest making your low ranker a safe space inside the coop so she can eat and possibly regain confidence. Whether or not you choose to do this you do need to make sure she is able to eat and drink , the others have no issue with starving her. Chickens are really hard on softies.

 

[Labradors]

If she's not molting yet not laying, she could be sick. You probably did the best thing by separating her and making sure that she is getting food. I do hope that you will be able to figure out what is going on.

I agree that it is most upsetting when they peck each other, and I found it very odd that my D bird is attacking (what was) my A bird. I really feel that it is a case of revenge for the rough treatment that was given to her in the past . Some of my girls will take it out on Bossy (D) after she has been mean to Isobel ( ex-A). I have noticed that when I have bathed Isobel and put her back in with the others, each bird will go up to her and peck at her. Isobel is not very happy at being returned either - probably because she knows what will happen .