Why do hens peck at another head?

- Establishing dominance: In a flock of hens, there is usually a hierarchy, with a dominant hen at the top. As part of establishing and maintaining this hierarchy, dominant hens may peck at the heads of subordinate hens to show their dominance.

- Stress: Stress can cause hens to act aggressively towards each other, including pecking at heads. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, or lack of food or water.

- Boredom: If hens are bored, they may peck at each other's heads simply because they have nothing else to do. Providing hens with enrichment, such as toys or treats, can help to reduce boredom and prevent pecking.

- Nutritional deficiencies: Some hens may peck at each other's heads due to nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of protein or certain vitamins. Ensuring that hens have a balanced diet can help to prevent this type of behavior.

- Injury or illness: If a hen is injured or ill, it may be more likely to be pecked by other hens, particularly if the injury or illness makes the hen less mobile or unable to defend itself. It is important to isolate and treat hens that are injured or ill to prevent them from being further injured by other hens.