{"id":444,"date":"2023-11-12T13:25:29","date_gmt":"2023-11-12T13:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/?p=444"},"modified":"2023-11-12T13:25:29","modified_gmt":"2023-11-12T13:25:29","slug":"why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Chickens Attack Their Sick Coop Mates? The Dark Secrets"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Let me tell you a funny story that taught me a lot about why chickens attack sick chickens.<\/p>\n<p>When I was a kid growing up on my family&#8217;s small farm, we had a flock of about 50 chickens.<\/p>\n<p>One day, I noticed one of the hens wasn&#8217;t looking so hot &#8211; her feathers were all ruffled and she was moving slowly.<\/p>\n<p>Being the curious kid I was, I went into the coop to check on her. As soon as I picked her up, all hell broke loose!<\/p>\n<p>The other chickens immediately swarmed and started viciously <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-do-chickens-get-sick\/\">pecking at the sick hen I was holding<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>No matter how much I tried to protect her, they were relentless.<\/p>\n<p>After that chaotic experience, I learned that when a chicken is weak or sick, the rest of the flock will often attack it &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-do-chickens-kill-their-babies\/\">sometimes even killing it<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The healthy chickens seem to recognize vulnerability and go into survival mode, attacking the perceived threat to the rest of the flock.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It&#8217;s a brutal example of social Darwinism &#8211; the strong against the weak, for the good of the group.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Turns out chickens aren&#8217;t the compassionate, nurturing types when illness is involved!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66600e18b8e12\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66600e18b8e12\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets\/#Why_Do_Chickens_Attack_Sick_Chickens_Cracking_the_Coop_Code\" title=\"Why Do Chickens Attack Sick Chickens? Cracking the Coop Code\">Why Do Chickens Attack Sick Chickens? Cracking the Coop Code<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets\/#Its_All_About_Survival\" title=\"It&#8217;s All About Survival\">It&#8217;s All About Survival<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets\/#Signs_of_Sickness_Trigger_Aggression\" title=\"Signs of Sickness Trigger Aggression\">Signs of Sickness Trigger Aggression<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets\/#The_Pecking_Order_Phenomenon\" title=\"The Pecking Order Phenomenon\">The Pecking Order Phenomenon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets\/#Decoding_Chicken_Body_Language\" title=\"Decoding Chicken Body Language\">Decoding Chicken Body Language<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets\/#Survival_of_the_Featheriest\" title=\"Survival of the Featheriest\">Survival of the Featheriest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets\/#Stressed_Out_in_the_Coop\" title=\"Stressed Out in the Coop\">Stressed Out in the Coop<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets\/#Prevention_is_Key\" title=\"Prevention is Key\">Prevention is Key<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-chickens-attack-their-sick-coop-mates-the-dark-secrets\/#Chicken_Attacking_The_Sick_Feathered_Finale\" title=\"Chicken Attacking The Sick : Feathered Finale\">Chicken Attacking The Sick : Feathered Finale<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Chickens_Attack_Sick_Chickens_Cracking_the_Coop_Code\"><\/span>Why Do Chickens Attack Sick Chickens? Cracking the Coop Code<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<article><!-- TABLE --><\/p>\n<table border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><\/th>\n<th>Reason<\/th>\n<th>How to Prevent<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Pecking Order<\/td>\n<td>Establishing dominance in the flock.<\/td>\n<td>Provide sufficient space and distractions; monitor and separate aggressive individuals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sickness Signals<\/td>\n<td>Communication of distress through body language.<\/td>\n<td>Isolate sick chickens promptly; create a separate recovery space.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Survival Instinct<\/td>\n<td>Perceiving sick chickens as a threat to the flock&#8217;s safety.<\/td>\n<td>Regular health checks; quarantine new members before introducing them.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Environmental Stress<\/td>\n<td>Overcrowded coops, sudden changes, or new additions causing tension.<\/td>\n<td>Ensure a well-designed coop with adequate space; introduce changes gradually.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Dominance Disputes<\/td>\n<td>Chickens challenging each other for leadership roles.<\/td>\n<td>Provide multiple feeding and watering stations; reduce competition.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nesting Box Wars<\/td>\n<td>Competition for nesting spots leading to aggression.<\/td>\n<td>Add more nesting boxes; ensure they are well-distributed and comfortable.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Feed Quality Issues<\/td>\n<td>Inadequate nutrition causing irritability.<\/td>\n<td>Offer a balanced and nutritious diet; consult a poultry nutritionist if needed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mating Season Aggression<\/td>\n<td>Rivalry among roosters for mating privileges.<\/td>\n<td>Keep a balanced rooster-to-hen ratio; separate aggressive roosters if necessary.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Age Disparities<\/td>\n<td>Younger or weaker chickens targeted by older or stronger counterparts.<\/td>\n<td>Introduce new chickens gradually; monitor and intervene in case of bullying.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Illness Misunderstandings<\/td>\n<td>Chickens attempting to &#8216;fix&#8217; a sick flock member.<\/td>\n<td>Provide a stress-free environment; separate and care for sick chickens appropriately.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Coop Size Matters<\/td>\n<td>Cramped conditions leading to increased stress and aggression.<\/td>\n<td>Ensure ample space per chicken; consider expanding or building a larger coop.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Weather-Induced Tensions<\/td>\n<td>Extreme temperatures causing discomfort and agitation.<\/td>\n<td>Provide proper ventilation; offer shaded areas during hot weather and warmth in the cold.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Social Dynamics Shift<\/td>\n<td>Introduction of new flock members disrupting established hierarchies.<\/td>\n<td>Quarantine new members before integration; monitor interactions closely.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Feather Pecking Habit<\/td>\n<td>Learned behavior where chickens develop a pecking habit.<\/td>\n<td>Use anti-peck solutions; provide distractions and objects for pecking.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Broodiness Aggravation<\/td>\n<td>Protective hens becoming aggressive during broodiness.<\/td>\n<td>Provide secluded nesting areas for broody hens; handle with care during this period.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/article>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Its_All_About_Survival\"><\/span>It&#8217;s All About Survival<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/cost-of-rising-chickens\/\">Chickens are prey animals programmed to survive at all costs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In the wild, a sick or weak chicken would attract predators like foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and hawks putting the whole flock in danger.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-446 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-ze24ux3bu7k7de42fkzhvrjgeq.png\" alt=\"Why Do Chickens Attack Sick Chickens? \" width=\"1208\" height=\"808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-ze24ux3bu7k7de42fkzhvrjgeq.png 1208w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-ze24ux3bu7k7de42fkzhvrjgeq-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-ze24ux3bu7k7de42fkzhvrjgeq-768x514.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1208px) 100vw, 1208px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Their instinct is to remove the weak link for the overall health and safety of the group. I&#8217;ve seen this survival mentality firsthand on my farm.<\/p>\n<p>One time a hawk snatched up one of our chickens and injured its leg. Afterwards, that chicken walked with a limp making it more vulnerable.<\/p>\n<p>Right away, the other chickens started ganging up and pecking aggressively at the injured hen whenever they could.<\/p>\n<p>It was like they saw the limp as a bullseye target and wanted to get rid of the &#8220;liability&#8221; from the flock.<\/p>\n<p>Another example is when we had a chicken who developed respiratory issues and started making wheezing sounds when breathing.<\/p>\n<p>The other <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-do-chickens-attack-humans\/\">chickens noticed right away and started isolating and attacking<\/a> the sick hen. Within a day, she was pecked so badly she had bare patches with blood.<\/p>\n<p>We had to remove her and put her in a separate sick bay to recover. But if we had left her, the flock would have eventually killed her to eliminate the perceived threat.<\/p>\n<p>Chickens have finely tuned senses to detect even minor differences in appearance, sound, and behavior.<\/p>\n<p>So when a chicken shows any signs of weakness or illness, the attack instinct kicks in to protect the health of the overall flock by any means necessary.<\/p>\n<p>Their aggressive reaction also discourages predators like foxes who look for easy pickings. Going after the weak <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-do-chickens-flap-their-wings-at-me\/\">chicken signals loud and clear that this flock is strong and not to be messed with<\/a>!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_Sickness_Trigger_Aggression\"><\/span>Signs of Sickness Trigger Aggression<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chickens have good innate senses to identify sickness in each other.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-449 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-62u3mk3bgxsfxfjegqm37vue3q.png\" alt=\"Why Do Chickens Attack Sick Chickens? \" width=\"1208\" height=\"808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-62u3mk3bgxsfxfjegqm37vue3q.png 1208w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-62u3mk3bgxsfxfjegqm37vue3q-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-62u3mk3bgxsfxfjegqm37vue3q-768x514.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1208px) 100vw, 1208px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Even subtle cues we may barely notice will set off alarm bells for chickens. Here are some common signs that can trigger chickens to attack:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drooping or ruffled feathers<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Lethargy and moving slower than usual<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Sitting hunched up with eyes closed<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Weight loss or drop in appetite<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Pale wattle and comb<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Swelling around eyes\/nose<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Sneezing, coughing, wheezing<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Diarrhea or changes in droppings<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Evidence of external injury or wounds<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Isolation from the flock<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Chickens have strong observational skills and seem to quickly recognize deviations from normal flock behavior.<\/p>\n<p>Sick chickens also release chemical signals through their saliva, feces and skin that alert others to their condition.<\/p>\n<p>Even before obvious symptoms appear, chickens can detect these chemical cues.<\/p>\n<p>In my experience, <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-lay-eggs-without-a-rooster\/\">roosters often initiate attacks on sick or weak chickens<\/a>. The rooster views it as his duty to monitor flock health and take action.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-447 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-ksoron3betb7oci4ozoojzzkmq.png\" alt=\"Why Do Chickens Attack Sick Chickens?\" width=\"1216\" height=\"816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-ksoron3betb7oci4ozoojzzkmq.png 1216w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-ksoron3betb7oci4ozoojzzkmq-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-ksoron3betb7oci4ozoojzzkmq-768x515.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1216px) 100vw, 1216px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>But hen chickens are not shy about ganging up on a vulnerable flockmate either. Once the attack starts, the frenzy can intensify rapidly with other chickens piling on.<\/p>\n<p>They will peck, claw, jump on and even try to drown the sick chicken if near water. It&#8217;s brutal and intense with the goal being to drive out or even <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/why-do-chickens-die\/\">kill the chicken<\/a> for the good of the flock.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Pecking_Order_Phenomenon\"><\/span>The Pecking Order Phenomenon<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s not just about who gets the best worm; it&#8217;s a matter of life and peck. Imagine you&#8217;re in a group of friends, each with a designated role.<\/p>\n<p>Now, when a member falters, there&#8217;s a ripple effect, and that&#8217;s exactly what happens in the coop.<\/p>\n<p>The alpha hens, strutting their stuff like the cool kids on campus, are quick to sense weakness. It&#8217;s like they&#8217;ve caught a whiff of vulnerability, and they&#8217;re not having it.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-448 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-rnpgzzdbmlue4kgwpvaaz52xri.png\" alt=\"Why Do Chickens Attack Sick Chickens?\" width=\"1232\" height=\"816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-rnpgzzdbmlue4kgwpvaaz52xri.png 1232w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-rnpgzzdbmlue4kgwpvaaz52xri-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/replicate-prediction-rnpgzzdbmlue4kgwpvaaz52xri-768x509.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1232px) 100vw, 1232px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Their response?<\/p>\n<p>A few assertive pecks to remind the sick one who&#8217;s boss. It&#8217;s nature&#8217;s way of maintaining order, even if it seems harsh to us humans.<\/p>\n<p>Picture this: You&#8217;re the team captain, and suddenly someone on your squad starts slacking off.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;d probably give them the side-eye too, right? Chickens, with their own pecking order playbook, do the same.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decoding_Chicken_Body_Language\"><\/span>Decoding Chicken Body Language<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chickens may not have a secret handshake, but they sure communicate through body language that rivals any secret society.<\/p>\n<p>When illness strikes, a chicken&#8217;s demeanor changes, signaling distress to its feathery comrades. It&#8217;s like sending out an SOS in the form of clucks and movements that scream, &#8220;I&#8217;m not at my best today!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Now, imagine you&#8217;re in a meeting, and your colleague starts acting strangely, perhaps with a sudden bout of sneezing and groaning.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;d probably worry, right? Chickens share the same concern for their flock mates. Unfortunately, their attempt at support sometimes translates into pecking as a misguided wake-up call.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s like your friend throwing water on you to keep you awake during a boring lecture\u2014well-intentioned but not exactly the hero you needed.<\/p>\n<p>Treating issues quickly and removing ill birds can help prevent the ruthless pecking attacks from the flock.<\/p>\n<p>Chickens will be chickens, doing what their instincts tell them is necessary.<\/p>\n<p>But we can outsmart their aggression through attentive care and swift response to health issues. Staying one step ahead makes for a happier, safer flock.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Survival_of_the_Featheriest\"><\/span>Survival of the Featheriest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the wild, chickens are the ultimate survivalists, and these instincts linger even in our domesticated feathered friends.<\/p>\n<p>When one member falls ill, it can trigger a flock-wide alarm. Think of it as a biological fire drill, with the healthy chickens responding like emergency responders, albeit with beaks instead of sirens.<\/p>\n<p>The sick chicken, marked as a potential threat to the group&#8217;s safety, might face pecks as the flock attempts to remove the &#8216;risk.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a harsh but effective strategy that has evolved over generations.<\/p>\n<p>In a way, it&#8217;s akin to your friends forcibly dragging you away from a questionable food truck because they swear it&#8217;s a stomachache waiting to happen.<\/p>\n<p>In the chicken world, tough love takes on a whole new beak-and-feather dimension, emphasizing survival over sentiment.<\/p>\n<p><!-- SECTION: ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS --><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stressed_Out_in_the_Coop\"><\/span>Stressed Out in the Coop<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chickens, despite their stoic facade, are sensitive creatures. Imagine you&#8217;re having a bad day, and every minor inconvenience feels like a major catastrophe.<\/p>\n<p>Chickens experience a similar stress response, and their coop environment plays a significant role in triggering aggressive behavior, especially towards the weaker members.<\/p>\n<p>Overcrowded coops, sudden changes, or new additions can throw a wrench into the finely tuned machinery of the flock.<\/p>\n<p>The result?<\/p>\n<p>Chickens pecking at each other as a coping mechanism for the stressors around them. It&#8217;s like your friend losing it because they had to sit in the middle seat during a road trip. The stress is real, even if the cause seems trivial to us.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention_is_Key\"><\/span>Prevention is Key<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since chickens are so aggressive towards ill flockmates, prevention is critical.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some tips:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-disc pl-8 space-y-2\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Maintain excellent hygiene and dry bedding in coops<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Provide adequate space per chicken<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Ensure proper ventilation and reduce ammonia buildup<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Give chickens access to fresh air and sunlight<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Provide balanced feed with vitamins\/minerals<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Keep vaccines updated to prevent disease<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Add calcium supplements for strong bones\/egg shells<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Inspector chickens daily for any issues<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Isolate and treat any injured, bullied or sick birds<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Act fast at the first sign of illness to avoid attacks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Separating sick, weak and injured chickens into a treatment pen or hospital coop is crucial to protect them.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chicken_Attacking_The_Sick_Feathered_Finale\"><\/span>Chicken Attacking The Sick : Feathered Finale<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chickens will brutally attack their own kind at the first sign of weakness or illness.<\/p>\n<p>It goes against our human instinct to nurture the sick, but chickens are simply hardwired to survive at any cost.<\/p>\n<p>Recognizing vulnerable flockmates can trigger their primal need to eradicate dangers and maintain the health of the group.<\/p>\n<p>As a chicken keeper, be vigilant and take action at the first hint of illness before the pecking starts!<\/p>\n<p>Have a separate treatment area ready, and be prepared to enforce the &#8220;no bird left behind&#8221; rule if need be.<\/p>\n<p>With knowledge of their behavior and proactive care, we can override their survival of the fittest mentality for the wellbeing of the entire flock.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let me tell you a funny story that taught me a lot about why chickens attack sick chickens. When I was a kid growing up on my family&#8217;s small farm, we had a flock of about 50 chickens. One day, I noticed one of the hens wasn&#8217;t looking so hot &#8211; her feathers were all [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":448,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[119],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/444"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=444"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/444\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1926,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/444\/revisions\/1926"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/448"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}