Two broody hens fighting?

[philhyde]

We have a cochin who is more or less always broody and likes to keep our golf balls warm. Lately (last couple of months) the Red hen who is above her in pecking order has been attacking her. The cochin's head is nearly devoid of feathers. At first, we thought it was a dominance thing, but this Red seems determined to chase her down every chance she gets.

Anyhow, the other day, I noticed the Red exhibiting broody behavior. To a large extent, the Red has only done this a few times. But I've also noticed her "chirping" like the cochin does when she is nesting.

Could these two be fighting because they are both broody?

 

[ghulst]

Are they laying?

 

[philhyde]

The red is laying... I don't think the cochin is very frequently.