Why is my chicken being picked on by the other hens?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If one chicken is being picked on by the others, it’s usually because something in the flock, environment or routine has changed. It can range from mild pecking order behaviour to a bird being singled out because she looks, smells or acts different.

It’s sensible to check for injuries early, because even small pecks can become sore and attract more attention from the flock.

Things To Check

1. Look for bald patches, broken skin, scabs, blood or swelling around the back, vent, neck, comb and tail.

2. Check whether the bird is acting differently, such as standing apart, being slower to the feeder, or avoiding the others.

3. See if the behaviour started after a change, such as a new bird, a moved perch, a different feed, or a smaller space.

4. Make sure there’s enough room to feed, drink, perch and move away from other hens without being cornered.

5. Check whether one bird looks weaker, smaller, heavier, featherless or more noticeable than the rest.

6. Look at the coop and run for boredom triggers such as limited enrichment, overcrowding, damp bedding or poor ventilation.

7. Watch when the pecking happens, because it may be worse at feeding time, at bedtime or after any flock disruption.

Common Causes

The most common cause is normal pecking order behaviour, especially in a flock that’s been recently mixed, moved or disturbed.

Another common trigger is a bird that stands out because of moulting, a healing wound, missing feathers or changes in smell or appearance.

Sometimes hens peck more when they’re bored, crowded, short of space or competing for food, water or preferred roosting spots.

Less commonly, an unwell or injured bird may be targeted because she is moving differently or not keeping up with the flock.

What To Do

Check the bird gently and separate her only if the pecking is causing injury or she can’t get away from the others.

Improve access to food, water and space so she isn’t being blocked or chased from important resources.

Keep the coop clean, dry and well ventilated, and remove anything that may be attracting more pecking, such as blood or soiled feathers.

If the flock has recently changed, try to reduce stress by keeping routines steady and giving the hens more room and distraction.

Watch the bird closely over the next day or two. If the pecking settles, you may just need to keep an eye on the flock and make gradual changes to prevent it building again.

When To Contact A Vet

Contact your vet if the bird has deep wounds, ongoing bleeding, swelling, signs of pain, is not eating or drinking, or seems unwell as well as being pecked. Pecking injuries can become infected, and a bird that’s being singled out may also have an underlying health problem.

Item added to your cart