Why did the flock recently turn on one of their own ?

[TPNuggets]

Last couple days I have noticed one of the girls seeming extremely submissive when I come around an literally stays squated for long periods of time. Today I notice a couple girls attacking this hen as she ran off a couple others started in and would corner her while pecking at her. I opened the gate so they would have other things to keep them busy but they still would chase her and attack. They have been together since beginning over 2yrs ago. What would make them turn on her. She looks ok but afraid they will hurt her or kill her.

 

[Elizabethwood09]

Maybe she's sick and they can sense it?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Illness or injury, hormone surges (i.e. a hen coming in or out of broodiness), changes in pecking order, are all possibilities.

 

[TPNuggets]

I have been watching the one being attacked and she seems very healthy. It breaks my heart to see them gang up on her and while she is submissive some will keep pecking her. I had found her in the nest box a couple times and took her out since I do not have a rooster. Tonight I found her in the out shelter of the pen when the rest of the flock was in the coop. Should I go ahead and just separate them? Is this something that will pass? I am at a loss on what to do, this has been going on for a couple weeks now.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If possible, post photos of your set up so we can see if things can be added/changed to give her a better fighting chance.

This is a good article about bullied birds, however I've not tried it myself. Might be worth it for you to consider: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

Worst case scenario she'll either need a new home or a separate enclosure, but I'd want to exhaust all other options first.

 

[aart]

I had found her in the nest box a couple times and took her out since I do not have a rooster.

Was/is she acting broody or was she hiding from the bullies?
Acting broody can cause flock members to harass.

 

[TPNuggets]

Was/is she acting broody or was she hiding from the bullies?
Acting broody can cause flock members to harass.

I think hiding from the flock. Recently she has been perching on our porch step in the dog run. They mingle under the deck sometime during the day which is about 50-60 ft from the hut.

 

[TPNuggets]

If possible, post photos of your set up so we can see if things can be added/changed to give her a better fighting chance.

This is a good article about bullied birds, however I've not tried it myself. Might be worth it for you to consider: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

Worst case scenario she'll either need a new home or a separate enclosure, but I'd want to exhaust all other options first.

I will post some pictures tomorrow.