Dominant Chicken

[so lucky]

About 3 months ago, the girl who has always been at the bottom of the pecking order (Dovie) suddenly has started picking on the former dominant girl. She not only charges at her and picks at Gertie, she regularly jumps on Gertie's back and behaves for all the world like an inexperienced rooster. (I know Dovie is a she; I can identify her eggs) Any clues as to what could cause this change? And should I separate Dovie for a few days?

Background: They are about 18 months old. Had a roo, but he has been gone for over a year. Two of the girls are molting--the two who are picker and pickee. We lost one of the girls about 6 months ago, so there are only 4 now. The picking started before the molting became apparent.
I am thinking about getting perhaps 3 or 4 more pullets. I know that will change the dynamics.

 

[Mickey328]

The pecking order is a flexible thing and it's hard to say why it changes or how they decide who's where on it. We had to segregate our dominant due to a sprained foot and another has taken over the spot, but she's much sterner. We tried to put Gabby(the former leader) back in the pen while we cleaned out her cage and all 5 of the others lit after her, poor thing. Removing a bully for a day or two does change things. The mounting behavior you see is nothing sexual; it's just like same sex dogs...it's merely a dominance thing. So, if yours is too mean to the others, take her out for a day or two...that'll definitely change the dynamics. Do watch when you put her back though...in case the others all gang up on her.

 

[catjac1975]

The worst thing that I have seen is when a rooster suddenly loses its' place. The other roosters will mount it until it dies. I think it starts when they are weakened by fighting or illness.

 

[so lucky]

Sometimes nature is brutal. In those "wild Africa" videos, I have to go take a potty break while the lion eats the baby zebra.