Two laying, others becoming more aggressive.

[notsooldmcdonald]

Yesterday, two of my pullets began laying eggs (got two more today!). I went out this afternoon to give them the usual veggies and to hang with them a bit and I noticed something concerning. I've got two or three other pullets who are now becoming much more aggressive to other hens. I'm not sure if this is a "pecking order" issue? The rooster stayed WAY out of it. They have a big outside pen (we have roving neighbor dogs and hawks, so they have to be in) and coop, so they all have places to go and seem to cohabitate well at night. I have just not seen this kind of aggression from one pullet to another prior to today.

I've got one rooster and 21 pullets. Clearly, he is out numbered, but he has been doing his best to visit everyone. Are the others trying to take the place of another rooster?

-Christian

 

[Jolyn]

I noticed that right after my first hens started laying they all got a little more aggressive. More pecking at each other and acting mean. Now they have all calmed back down and seem to get along like they had before.

I'm not sure if it's typical but it did happen here too.

 

[hinkjc]

Double post..please see https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=98348

Jody