Why is Wendy pecking on Madonna?

[jann]

Our 4 pullet/hens are about 24 and 25 weeks old, they're laying, but only 2 are everyday.
Lately I have caught Wendy grabbing Madonna on the head somewhere several times now
(she had white feathers in her beak last time I caught her) and at least 1 of the other girls
seem to be stay clear of Wendy. Like they're nervous around her. What would make her
do that?

Wendy is a silver laced wyandotte, Madonna is a white plymouth rock, Agnes is a rhode island red
and BabaGanoush is a buff orpington

 

[jen5680]

Are you sure she isn't a he?

 

[Sphinx]

My SLW is definitely the head hen, and she grabs the feathers around the neck/back of head of the other hens to kind of keep her spot as king of the hill. She's really quite mean to the other chickens. She's even alpha to the poor rooster. I'm wondering if that breed is just somewhat ill tempered.

 

[jann]

I'm not actually positive Wendy isn't a rooster - I think 1 of the ladies is not laying eggs, but I don't know who. There has been competition for
top hen in the pecking order before - and every night 3 of them jockey for top roost window seat - but Agnes (RIR) takes window lower roost and
stays out of it. She had a dramatic response to her pecking order position.
The idea that there's another SLW that is agressive or bullying does help - I'll watch and see if that's what it is. Still trying to catch her in the nesting
box.
They sure are a funny distraction.

thanks for your inputs. It helps.

 

[Sphinx]

Do you have a picture of your SLW that you can post? It'd be easier to decide if she's a hen or not if you had that.

 

[jann]

I'm trying to figure out how to put a picture in my post. I did get a picture uploaded to my profile, but not sure how to put it in a post. Working on that.
I caught Wendy dragging Madonna around by the head again this morning. She's really quite the bully.

OK - I'm going to try to post the url to the image and see if that puts the image in the post. If it does, then this is the best up close photo I have of Wendy.

Poor Madonna gets harassed (that would be "MY" interpretation of her actions) by Wendy when she's in the nesting box laying her egg. Wendy will stand
outside the nesting box and make a bunch of noise. I suppose she could be coaching her in chicken talk, but I would think they might want to do that sort
of thing in a quiet and peaceful environment.

OK - hope this photo comes through. Thanks again for your input.
jann

 

[terrilhb]