One of my hens just attacked another for no reason!

[Barnette]

I was inside scrolling this website (hehe) when my dog started barking outside near the chicken yard. I hurried to go look because I knew it could be a hawk, as the chickens were free-ranging. I saw a commotion behind the coop and ran out to see several hens ganging up on our little White-Faced Black Spanish hen, Hermione Raven (Herm for short). I pulled them apart and rescued Herm; she had no serious injuries, but her comb was bleeding and she was muddy and missing some feathers. I placed her in our back-up coop for quarantining chickens (empty now except for Pinky the blind hen, who would give Herm no trouble). I gently cleaned her face and comb, then went to see the other chickens who had attacked her. Note: we don't have any roosters, just twelve hens. Anyway, Brownie, our Easter-egger, had blood and feathers sticking to her beak, so I knew she was the leader of the attack. But I have no idea why she and the others attacked Herm! Herm didn't have any injuries before, so the flock wasn't picking her out as "weak". Herm IS at the bottom of the pecking order, but this seemed worse than pitting Herm in her place. What should I do? I'm leaving home for the weekend, so I need to put Hermione Raven back with the flock before I go, but I'm worried they will do this again.

 

[sourland]

That is relatively serious damage. If you put her back with the flock, I am relatively certain they will attack and possibly kill her. It's a catch 22 because if you wait until you return, they will surely attack her - but at least you will be there to monitor.

 

[Barnette]

That is relatively serious damage. If you put her back with the flock, I am relatively certain they will attack and possibly kill her. It's a catch 22 because if you wait until you return, they will surely attack her - but at least you will be there to monitor

Thank you. She seems okay now. The bleeding has stopped. Is there anything I should put on the wounds if she'll let me? I have bird-safe antiseptic wash and antibiotic cream. I'll keep her where she is right now, but like I said, there's a blind hen (Pinky) and her part-time buddy Gail there, so that can't be a permanent solution...unless Herm and Pinky get along, but I think I'm getting ahead of myself. Anyway, thanks for the advice.

 

[Barnette]

Update: Hermie is sleeping in a puppy carrier in the coop. She seems fine, her wounds look good and she's acting normal! I'll let her out with the others tomorrow (under supervision) but if the others attack her again, I have an area set up where she could live temporarily. Thanks for your advice!

 

[Debbie292d]

The antibiotic cream probably. Not sure what you have but most recommend triple antibiotic ointment without the painkiller in it.

There's also Vetericyn antimicrobial spray.

 

[Barnette]

The antibiotic cream probably. Not sure what you have but most recommend triple antibiotic ointment without the painkiller in it.

There's also Vetericyn antimicrobial spray.

Okay, I might have Vetericyn. I'll check my chicken first-aid kit

 

[Barnette]

Update on Herm:
I kept an eye on her wounds and they are healing well. She slept in a puppy crate for the first night and I let her free-range with the flock the next day. I saw no issues, and I let her back in with them under supervision. She was fine over the weekend. Thanks for your suggestions, y'all!

 

[Barnette]

Update:

The other chickens attacked Hermie again yesterday. It wasn't as bad as the first time, but I set up a section of the run blocked off from the others. She's been sleeping in a puppy crate. I don't understand why the other chickens are bothering Herm!! They got along so well for the first four months.

 

[LaFleche]

She might be getting broody.

Do you know who the instigator is? If so, separate her for a week or two as this will give Herm some time to socialize with the flock and relax.

 

[Barnette]

She might be getting broody.

Do you know who the instigator is? If so, separate her for a week or two as this will give Herm some time to socialize with the flock and relax.

I think it is Brownie but I am not certain. Also, Herm hasn't laid an egg in four months. She is four or five years old. I would be surprised if we was broody but it's a possibility