Why does my hen peck the other one when roosting?

[theacw]

I only have 2 hens (my first and only chickens) and they have a 6x6x6 coop and 12x12x6 run so they should have plenty of room but 1 of my girls pecks the other one! I have only noticed it when they are roosting together at the end of the day, more specifically when the peckee looks at the pecker.

Why does she do this? Does it bother the other one? Any way to stop it?
Ive given her a few light slaps on the back after I see it but there has to be a way!
The other one is very timid already so I feel bad for her. She also hasnt laid an egg yet but they other one has been for probably a month if that makes a different.
They are both 29 weeks and have been with me since day one.

Thank you!

 

[Beekissed]

She's just asserting her dominance in the pecking order...hence the name "pecking order". She won't stop and it usually isn't hard enough pecks to do any real damage, so I wouldn't worry.

 

[Sassafras]

Well, you need a few more chickens..you know, so she will be less preoccupied with her only "friend". Isn't that a good excuse for more?

 

[ButtersMama]

I agree with Sassafras. She is just a little obsessed with her only friend. Just watch for blood and make sure she isn't pecking too much. Are they roosting during the day? Mine do not. Only at night. Is their coop dark? I would think the darkness would make her stop. If you have lights on, maybe turn them off. I hope you're able to figure something out. Good luck!

 

[theacw]

Thanks for the advice! Ive only seen it at bedtime when I am saying goodnight and they are on the roost. During the day they are fine, no aggression. If I take my timid one out and away from the aggressive sight around the yard, the aggressive one FREAKS out and panics so she obviously doesnt hate her. Ha

I want to add more someday but 4 is the limit in town! I am thinking spring BUT I reallllly dont want to go through the stress of male or female, male or female, male or female again! I cant have any roosters and I would get way too attached. I suppose I could get an adult hen but skip the chick stage? Awwww

 

[Little One]

Hehe! It's common. My black sex link gets up on the top roost first and scoots back and forth waiting for the other hens to get within striking distance! They still push their way up there and after striking back and forth between most of them, everything settles down. We have an IR surveillance camera installed in the corner of our coop, and I had heard the banging around and squawking before...but, you wouldn't believe the antics that actually go on in there!

 

[brtova]

Hi,

I've a similar problem. Only my chickens eat the feathers off the other chickens backs!

Anybody have this happen to them?