Older Hen Attacking New Layer. Is this a Normal Behavior?

[CoryComb]

I have four 22-week-old pullets (two Sapphire Sky and two Light Brahmas) and one 10-month-old Black Australorp. She survived a bear attack that killed my original flock, and her last remaining flockmate recently passed, leaving her as the only older hen.

This past week, one of my Sapphire Skies showed signs of getting ready to lay, spending time in the nesting boxes. My Australorp started guarding them, chasing away any pullet that came near. Yesterday, she got aggressive, attacking the Sapphire Sky showing laying signs. Today, I found a green egglikely the SSs firstbut it had a peck mark and was slightly broken. Camera footage showed my Australorp attacking the pullet right after she laid.

She hasnt laid in two days, which is unusual for her. Now, theyre all acting normal in the run, but Im worried this aggression could get worse. Is this common? Could my Australorp have pecked the egg, and what can I do to prevent future issues?

[DustBathQueen]

If the Australorp doesn't lay soon, she might have an underlying issue like stress or an internal laying problem. Keep an eye on her, especially if she seems lethargic or puffed up.

[BarnyardBoss]

The fact that she hasn't laid in two days could mean she's broody or stressed. Some hens become aggressive when they feel hormonal shifts, especially around nesting areas. Watch her closely to see if she fluffs up and stays in the nest more than usual.

[HenAndTonic]

It sounds like the Australorp is trying to control the nesting area and sees the Sapphire Sky as competition. This behavior should settle as the younger hens establish themselves. If the aggression continues, you might need to separate them temporarily.

[CoopCrafter]

Try putting up a temporary barrier in the coop while the pullets are laying. If she can't get to them, she may lose interest in guarding the boxes so aggressively.

[EggstraSpecial]

The pecking right after laying could have been frustration or curiosity. Some dominant hens "discipline" younger hens when they do something new, like laying an egg. You might see this behavior lessen after a few more eggs.

[HenHouseHobbyist]

Some hens don't like sharing their favorite nesting spots. If you only have one or two nesting boxes, try adding another to give the younger pullets more options.

[CluckinAround]

The Australorp might be feeling hormonal changes herself. If she's not laying on schedule, she could be getting broody or experiencing a temporary break. That might explain her sudden aggression.

[FarmyardSage]

Egg pecking can be a bad habit if she figures out eggs are food. Collect them as soon as possible and consider adding ceramic or wooden eggs to discourage pecking.

[Eggspeditionist]

Yes, it's common for an established hen to act possessive over the nest boxes. She may also be curious about the egg and accidentally pecked it. Try collecting eggs quickly and giving her more enrichment to reduce aggression.