I have a flock of seven hens. They've been together for 2 years. Last month they started piling on and pecking one hen severely. I removed her for a couple days and reintroduced her. The abuse started again. I took her out again and decided to let her be a yard hen. That lasted about 20 minutes when a neighbor dog dined on her. Any idea what would cause this behavior in an established flock?
Pecking abuse by hens
Chickens can be vicious. Any sign of illness or weakness and they show no mercy !!!
Sorry about your loss
Julie
Sorry to hear about your hen. I had to save our 6 week old mascovey duck 'Bob' from the hens today. One hen who is at the bottom of the pecking order has been going after him constantly. He lives in the house most of the time, and only happens to come out during the day when I am outside. Today 6 hens and the rooster were attacking him visiously. The only was to break it up was to...push...the rooster away with my boot. Bob was ok, but I just dont know why they attack him. I am hoping when he gets bigger they will start to leave him alone. I also hosed down all the chickens involved as punishment...then I stood by with the hose in hand for as soon as they got close to him...I think he enjoyed that part.
As much as I love my chickens, they are a "wicked" animal.
well, I don't think they are wicked,per se ( and i do know you didn't really mean it like that, Glenda!) but they certainly have a different sense of what is important that we do.
We see things from an individual perspective, where they see it as a flock. the flock can't be put in danger by sick or injured birds that attract predators. Also, chicks that are not protected by their mother are a liability as well. So they get rid of them.
I mean, I don't personally subscribe to that belief, but thinking about it his way has helped me understand them better ;)
Aren't you glad you're not a chicken? ;) lol
From my personal experience (and it's only about 6 months worth), they do it out of boredom or if they are missing something or if you are missing something. We lost a bird last week to vent pecking. That is the first time we'd lost a bird in months. The first time we were not providing enough shade and treats.
I blame us. We left two roosters in there that were mating roughly and wanting the same hen at the same time. We also weren't giving them enough "stuff" to keep them entertained and busy. We took out one male and two birds of the same breed and put them in their own smaller coop. We also upped their oyster shells, treats from the house, straw and make sure their water and food stays full.
That day, their water had gone low and was dirty so we try harder to stay on top of their food and water situation, give them table scraps, straw, oyster shells, whatever. Experience has now taught me more than once, to keep an eye on them and make sure everything stays stocked and interesting.
I'm not saying you did anything wrong and I'm also not saying it's not a natural thing. But, I have found that we can help keep them occupied so they won't find something to do on their own. It is entirely possible there was something wrong with that one or something about her that bothered the other ones.
yes. Just like middle schoolers, chickens will pick on each other if they don't have enough to do to keep them busy! lol!
also, space can be an issue. you need to make sure everyone has personal space.
Okay, keeping middle schoolers (teens and toddlers!) occupied is my expertise! LOL