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That's a good question. If the BO is actually eating the feathers of the others it may mean a protein deficiency. But it is possible that the BO is trying to move up the pecking order, in which case she could cause some injury to the others. I think in most cases though, pecking a few feathers off another hen to show dominance will not result in serious injury, and the frequency of pecking usually decreases when she establishes herself at the top of the pecking order.
It is also possible that the BO was pecking more at the Maran because she was sick. It is not unusual for chickens to bully the sick chicken in the group who is showing weakness.
That's a good question. If the BO is actually eating the feathers of the others it may mean a protein deficiency. But it is possible that the BO is trying to move up the pecking order, in which case she could cause some injury to the others. I think in most cases though, pecking a few feathers off another hen to show dominance will not result in serious injury, and the frequency of pecking usually decreases when she establishes herself at the top of the pecking order.
It is also possible that the BO was pecking more at the Maran because she was sick. It is not unusual for chickens to bully the sick chicken in the group who is showing weakness.
