Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[EllieP]

We got six ex-battery hens yesterday, and when we got them home and into the house yesterday they seemed fine. This morning, though, we let them out to find that one chicken kept pecking another on the beak. When the chicken started pecking her friend, the chicken being pecked didn't do anything, even when the pecker tried to peck its neck.

What's wrong with my chickens?

Thank you!

[percy049]

were they pecking hard? was the 'victim' making cheaping noises when she was being pecked? I know if ones of ours has something on her beak the other one sometimes 'pecks' at it, and sometimes at their feathers, but not hard

[majuka]

When you get a new flock there will be an element of pecking as they establish the pecking order. However in my own ex batts I have noticed two types of pecking, bullying pecking and grooming pecking. Some hens to peck harder than others when they groom. In time as they become more confident they will probably do the same to you. When I have been walking my dog and go into their enclosure with mud on my trousers, they will peck the mud off me, as if grooming me.

 

It is very early days for your girls. As long as the pecking is not too aggressive and feathers are not being ripped out, I would leave them too it and just keep a watchful eye over your flock.

 

Good luck with your girls.

[EllieP]

Thank you so much, everyone!

I think it was grooming pecking, as the 'victim' wasn't making any noises and seemed perfectly happy with what was going on.

Thanks again!

[Henslaved]

Mine sometimes do this my OH says they are "kissing" .

 

Good on ya for getting ex-batts .

[EllieP]

UPDATE: All is fine now!

Thanks again everyone.

[Sammiboo]

great news! they usually sort themselves out