Why?

[mertzy1963]

My 1 year old Buff Orpington, Henrietta is being very aggressive all of a sudden with 1 of my 23 week old Black Australorp pullets, this morning she was going after her and was going after her neck, wondering why, they have all be getting along great up till this morning when we let them out to range. I have 2 Buffs, 2 Wyndottes ages 1 year old, and 3 Black Austrolorps 23 weeks. Was chaos until I closed the Buff up in the run, the rest of them are out and about with no issues as of yet....

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Is your buff broody?

 

[mertzy1963]

Is your buff broody?

not that I can tell, her sister is though....

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Well a short time out can be a good solution.

My guess would be standard pecking order issues and maybe that gal has become a challenger to your buffs' place before others.

I do let scuffles happen... but like you I won't let it be relentless chaos...

I would just try again... hormones are crazy and all your birds are experiencing them. So maybe it won't be an actual issue. Though it won't surprise me if they do have another confrontation... if buff feels the need to finish up.

Sometimes I just put the chase to the chaser... the can't be on the offense if they are the one running away. This even works with m y rooster scuffles.

Of course every situation and bird will be unique... so it may require experimenting. Good luck!

 

[mertzy1963]

Well a short time out can be a good solution.

My guess would be standard pecking order issues and maybe that gal has become a challenger to your buffs' place before others.

I do let scuffles happen... but like you I won't let it be relentless chaos...

I would just try again... hormones are crazy and all your birds are experiencing them. So maybe it won't be an actual issue. Though it won't surprise me if they do have another confrontation... if buff feels the need to finish up.

Sometimes I just put the chase to the chaser... the can't be on the offense if they are the one running away. This even works with m y rooster scuffles.

Of course every situation and bird will be unique... so it may require experimenting. Good luck!

I did let her back out with the others and no problems so far.....thank you for your input!!

 

[aart]

Are your pullets laying yet?

 

[mertzy1963]

Are your pullets laying yet?

not yet.....but soon im thinking....

 

[aart]

Then that could be what has upset the hen.
As pullets come into lay they also enter the main pecking order.
Is Henrietta either low or top bird?
Both would be more likely to harass the youngsters to remind them of their 'place'.

 

[mertzy1963]

Then that could be what has upset the hen.
As pullets come into lay they also enter the main pecking order.
Is Henrietta either low or top bird?
Both would be more likely to harass the youngsters to remind them of their 'place'.

Henrietta is definitely in charge....