4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[abwsco]

I think we're in for some problems with our chickens

 

I noticed yesteday that Terri was having a go at Edna at every opportunity and this morning when I went to let them out of the run Mindy and Edna weren't leading the stampede like they normally do. Haven't been able to keep an eye on them today either as I've been at work

 

Also, when I went to get them in the run early Edna who normally sleeps in the nestbox was on the perch and Mindy who is normally on the perch was in a nestbox.

 

I do hope it's just a blip and one of the "youngsters" trying to exert themselves over the exbatts.

[Plum]

What a lot of women they are. I don't know but others have said the pecking order changes due to a number of things so I guess growing up is one of them.

Hope they stay friends, you have quite a flock.

[abwsco]

Well it's worse this morning

 

Manjula came running out of the coop to attack Edna, then Terri also joined in. Mindy then got Sherri by her wing feathers and then a bit later Edna and Patty were full on fighting with their neck feathers up and chest banging

 

Hope it settles down soon as they're normally a happy flock apart from the odd bit or argy bargy from the exbatts over treats and much as I'd like to I can't spend all day on guard duty.

[MedusA]

As long as you have plenty of space for them to run around in so the pursued can escape the pursuers and pleny of feeders/drinkers, I'm sure it will settle down again once the new pecking order establishes.

 

*fingers crossed*

[dancing cloud]

My little monsters are really grumpy and mean with each other at the moment because they are moulting - could this be the case with yours too? Even my two usually sweet-natured sharers are snappy and jealous

 

Hope they all get over it soon and go back to being their usual selves

[abwsco]

Thanks Lin and dancing cloud.

 

Moults are over as far as I know and all are laying except for Mindy who hasn't laid for months after laying a giant lash.

 

I wonder if the "newbies" have just turned into vile women Poor Edna is spending all her time running out of the way. She was even hiding behing the compost bin doing a Greta Garbo impersonation

 

Hope yours and mine setlle down soon dancing cloud

[abwsco]

Does anyone have any ideas of how long sorting out the pecking order goes on for. Mindy died suddenly on Saturday but they're still chasing poor Edna. Do you think keeping her in the run for part of the day will help or will that makes matters worse

[Plum]

I'm so sorry about Mindy and how distressing your bad girls are. You have such a big run as well. Feel for you but no experience to give advice. Good luck.