Two hens beating another one up just for sitting in the nest box

[kannm]

Hi,

We have 34 chickens and three of them are older but the younger ones are now as big or bigger than the older ones. The younger chickens are just starting to think about laying. One is doing it daily now. The problem is that two of the older chickens are attacking her for getting in the nesting box (one of the nesting boxes). What can I do? The chicken being attacked is bleeding a little and they seem to be focusing on her face.

 

[Bill D]

I would separate the injured hen until she heals - I have heard they will focus on the blood and make it worse.

 

[Skyesrocket]

I agree. Pull her for a while.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I would not remove her unless there's a good deal of blood. My welsummers had to go through this "abuse" when some of the hens didn't like them in "the special nesting box". They eventually would push her out of the way or she'd lay and get out. They knicked her comb a couple times, but that was the end of it. Now they have it all sorted out and there's no more fighting over nesting boxes.

 

[FarmGirl01]

Quote:
I agree. I try not to take one away because of the reintroduction problems.

 

[kannm]

Looks like they sorted it out. Thanks for your help. I will keep watching to make sure everyone is behaving.