With chickens, little squabbles over pecking order happen, but it’s usually nothing to get alarmed over. Yes, sometimes roosters will fight each other to establish dominance, but that’s just the way it is.

But sometimes a chicken starts pecking at another and it won’t stop. It keeps on and on. And meanwhile, the victimized bird is bleeding and desperately trying to get away, trying to defend itself.

And then the other chickens start joining in, ganging up on the beleaguered bird! Before you know what’s happening, other birds in the flock seem to turn on others, and at last the whole flock has erupted in a frenzy of violence, biting pieces out of each other!

What you witnessed is an outbreak of cannibalism, and it’s as serious as it sounds. This is something that all chicken owners need to be prepared for, and I’ll help you get there. Keep reading.

Cannibalism Starts Off Minor, But Gets Worse Fast

Talking about cannibalism, you might have had the notion in mind that a chicken will just pounce on another bird and then start tearing them apart to eat them. That will happen if you don’t nip the problem in the bud, but it usually doesn’t happen all at once.

Cannibalism actually starts off fairly innocuously: A chicken will peck at and pester another chicken. Maybe at their feet, maybe at their neck or face, maybe at a patch of missing feathers, or maybe even at their vent.

And that might be all. But if it continues, eventually the bullied bird is going to start running away, trying to get distance. The antagonist will pursue and keep pecking; tearing out feathers, causing puncture wounds, and even tearing off pieces of skin.

All this frantic commotion is likely to attract other chickens that, for one reason or another, will start to join in on the victimized bird and eventually turn on each other and other birds in the flock.

Chickens that die or are rendered unable to defend themselves will be systematically picked apart and eaten.

Cannibalism Can Be Induced or Inherited

So why do chickens do this, why do they engage in cannibalism? Simply, cannibalism can be induced by environmental factors causing chronic or extreme stress or it can be inherited genetically.

Wild chickens engage in cannibalism far more often, but even some domestic lineages today show a greater tendency towards cannibalism.

The good news is you can largely prevent it from being induced, and other chickens won’t learn it from perpetrators if they don’t start in the first place. The genetics issue?

You can’t do much about that, but you can cull problem birds and keep good records of your acquisitions so that you can avoid getting other troublemakers in the future. We’ll talk a lot more about all of that in just a couple of sections.

Cannibalism Is Contagious!

The reason cannibalism is said to occur in outbreaks is because it spreads very much like a virus, but a virus of the mind. It isn’t a germ, but it is a social contagion.

Once a single bird has given in to it, it typically results in a vicious cycle of ever-rising stress levels that will make other birds more prone to it.

Worse, when other chickens observe some chickens engaging in cannibalism they are highly likely to join in against the targeted victim and then turn their attention to other victims. Chicken see, chicken do- even for something this heinous!

Chickens Will Kill and Eat Other Poultry or Chicks

Once an outbreak of cannibalism has started, no birds in your flock are safe. There isn’t necessarily one specific bird that is going to be targeted and then, once vanquished and consumed, everything will go back to normal. It’s not that easy!

Once the madness of cannibalism has taken hold, adult chickens will peck, wound, kill, and eat other adult birds, other species of birds like ducks, geese, and turkeys, and even their own chicks.

Truly, it’s like they catch some kind of zombie plague! None of your birds will be safe once cannibalism has taken hold, and that’s why it is so critical that you take the proper steps to prevent it, and stop it if it has started.

Cannibalistic Chickens Eat Eggs, Too

One thing to consider is that cannibalism isn’t restricted to chickens attacking, killing, and eating other chickens. Adult chickens will often peck, break, and eat eggs. Their own, or those belonging to other hens!

This is far more common and although it is less distressing compared to the previous example it can also be difficult to stop.

This often happens when chickens aren’t getting enough to eat or when eggs are left sitting around unattended. Eggs, being delicious and highly nutritious, are very appealing to these birds once they’ve gotten a taste.

Although there is some overlap in preventative measures, generally you can treat egg cannibalism as a separate issue though we will still be touching on it here. Be sure to check out our guide on causes and dealing with it.

Causes of Cannibalism

The following causes of cannibalism among chickens are compounding. Any one of these might set a bird off, but if your flock is suffering from several of them, instances of cannibalism are going to be much more frequent and severe.

Crowding

Crowding is a huge and perennial cause of cannibalism in chickens, and especially likely in factory farm settings. Adults need at least two square feet per bird, the bantam breeds can get away with about two square feet in the coop. Aim for triple per bird in the chicken run.

Anytime there’s too much crowding in the coop or run, or anywhere else, cannibalism is a possible outcome.

Lack of Food or Water

A simple lack of resources, food, and water can promote cannibalism. It is especially likely from a lack of food generally, but birds that are constantly dehydrated or fighting to get water will also turn on each other.

Lack of Space at Feeding/Watering Areas

Even if your flock has plenty of food and water, if there’s not enough space for them all to feed or drink comfortably, the outcome might well be the same.

This can be solved by moving or reconfiguring feeding and watering stations, or adding more of them and allowing birds space to spread out.

Too Hot

Cooking under high heat can make anybody crazy. There’s a reason why killings always skyrocket in the summertime, especially in cities or whenever there is a blackout.

The same goes for chickens. If your birds don’t have any relief from intense sun, or they are kept in a screaming hot coop all day, madness will take hold and they will turn cannibalistic.

Too Much Light

Chickens live by a strict schedule according to light levels. They are up at dawn and in the coop or roosted and ready to go to bed by dusk. That’s because they see so poorly at night and are vulnerable to predators.

If they’re forced to deal with high light levels at night, this will stress them out. Also, laying hens and especially broody hens want a nice, dim nesting box. Keeping the coop or nesting boxes lit or exposed to outside light is going to cause problems.

Sustained High Stress

Any sort of long-term stress can eventually result in cannibalism….

Are your chickens being hassled by pets or other animals? Are they enduring predator attacks? Are the run or other areas they inhabit constantly muddy?

Anything that will raise agitation and keep it there is a problem you should address…

Sudden Change in Environment

As strange as it sounds, any sudden change in a chicken’s daily environment, be that an addition or taking something away, might cause cannibalism.

I know plenty of chicken keepers who saw an increase in pecking and eventually serious injuries just by changing out the type of water or feeder that they used.

This could be any number of things besides, such as moving a chicken tractor to a new spot, building the birds a new coop, or anything else.

This isn’t always something you can eliminate or manage, but if it’s possible, introduce such changes slowly.

Dietary Imbalance

This is another biggie. If a chicken’s diet is deficient in protein, fiber, or the amino acid methionine, the chances that cannibalism will go way up.

This is why a balanced diet is so important for your flock, because they could be getting enough calories but not enough of a specific nutrient.

Eggs Left Too Long (In case of egg cannibalism)

For egg cannibalism specifically, leaving eggs in nesting boxes or anywhere else will only increase the chances that a curious bird will give them a peck, and then like the taste.

Once that happens, they will immediately start seeking out other eggs to eat and other chickens can learn from them, leading to an outbreak of egg cannibalism.

Prolapse (for laying hens)

Sometimes a laying hen will have a particularly difficult passing, and that can lead to her vent prolapsing , or falling out of her vent.

This exposed tissue will make other birds curious who will then peck, and even a single peck can easily result in bleeding which will start a frenzy.

Different Breeds/Colors of Chickens Kept Together

Not something that chicken lovers want to hear, but chickens tend to be quite tribal. Keeping different breeds or even different colors of chickens together can cause bullying which will lead to remorseless pecking and then you-know-what.

Even if the birds are the same color, if you keep crested and non-crested chickens together, bigger and smaller birds together, or mix the flock in any other sort of way, it can result in the same thing.

Leaving Sick or Injured Birds Among Flock

Any chicken keeper worth their salt will advise you to immediately remove sick or injured birds from the rest of the flock until they’re better.

Part of this is to reduce stress, and the other part is to prevent the rest of the chickens from pecking at them, making things worse and eventually killing them. This is entirely common in nature, but not something that you should ever allow.

Genetic Predisposition

Some chickens, particularly game breeds, show a marked genetic tendency towards cannibalism once they start pecking at another bird or when any bird gets bloody for any reason…

If you have Old English Games, Modern Games, Aseels, Malays, or any other, you’ll have to be especially vigilant for signs of bullying and pecking.

Prevention

As always, the very best way to stop cannibalism is to prevent it from happening in the first place. You should continually implement the following preventative measures to minimize the chances that it will even start.

Allow Plenty of Space

Make sure that all chickens have adequate space in and out of the coop, and allowing them more space is always better. Remember, a minimum of two square feet per adult is the absolute least they should be allowed.

Ensure Adequate Diet

A nutritionally complete diet consisting predominantly of well-rounded chicken feed along with choice whole foods and forage will ensure that your birds are getting plenty of calories and also nutrients.

If in doubt, give them a little extra protein to help prevent the urge toward cannibalism.

Provide Entertainment and Enrichment

Bored chickens might become violent chickens. They need things to do, places to explore, and interesting things to investigate.

Simple toys, shiny objects, swings, interesting landscapes, and even the occasional treat are great for keeping them mentally stimulated.

Reduce Light at Night and In Nesting Boxes

Do not light the inside of the coop or nesting boxes. If you need light inside for cleaning or other purposes, take the light with you or have one installed but always keep it off.

Take care to prevent light pollution from spilling into the coop through windows, cracks, and other openings.

Remove Sick or Injured Chickens So They Can Heal

Always, always, remove sick or injured chickens from the flock and keep them separate and safe until they are fully healed and back to their usual selves. Reintroduce them cautiously to the flock to make sure there aren’t any problems.

Stop Bully Birds Early

Some birds are just intent on enforcing the pecking order, or won’t get along with other chickens or with specific chickens.

Whatever the cause and whatever the reason, put a stop to these bully birds early. If they are roosters, remove them to a rooster colony. Consider culling them or selling them if you have no other options.

Introduce New Birds Carefully

If you are getting any new additions for your flock, always be alert when you are introducing them and make sure they are accepted and not unduly harassed or pecked.

Never introduce an adolescent chicken to a flock of mature birds, since birds that haven’t finished feathering are a high-probability target for pecking.

How Can You Stop Ongoing Cannibalism?

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try and how diligent you are, a bird will become cannibalistic or you’ll wake up one morning to find a ravaged corpse and a bunch of bloody birds.

It’s horrendous, but don’t panic. Do the following.

Remove Injured or Aggressive Birds Immediately

Any birds that are injured, in any way, or on the offensive must be separated from the rest of the flock. Use large boxes or pet carriers if you have to.

Chickens are like sharks when they’re around other, bloody birds. You’ve got to separate them until you can get things under control.

Cull Repeat Offenders

After things have calmed down and the birds are healed up, if you notice some of your chickens just keep pecking and pecking and pestering, you’ll probably want to cull them. In my experience, some birds just get the bloodlust and never turn loose from it.

You might sell or give away such a chicken, but if you do, you’re ethically obligated to fully disclose why to the new prospective owner.

Use Anti-Peck Sprays

Specialized anti-peck sprays and ointments exist for just such an occasion, and they can keep chickens from pecking at themselves and other birds from pecking them.

Basically, these products have an extremely nasty taste that will hopefully repel other birds once they peck one time. They are expensive, and you’ll have to stay on top of application, but it’s a worthwhile approach to squashing cannibalism before it gets fully underway.

Fit Problematic Birds with Blinders

Blinders, also known as peepers, are a kind of headwear that can be fitted to chickens which block their forward vision.

This can help to curb violent tendencies and cannibalism since chickens, by some quirk of their psychology, tend to only attack other birds that they perceive directly ahead of them.

Reduce Light Levels

If you are keeping your chickens indoors for whatever reason, consider lowering the overall light level. If you keep your chickens outside, turn off all unnecessary lights around your property. Sometimes this will help to settle the birds down.

Lower Temperature, if Possible

Remember, high temperatures lead to flaring tempers. If you have any way to cool things off or just help chickens stay cooler in general, it is worthwhile to get the flock and murderous rage back under control.

Use shade outside, fans inside, and consider the intermittent use of a misting system if you have no other options.

Treat Prolapses Immediately (for hens)

If any of your laying hens prolapses after passing an egg, or you notice bloody spots or streaks on an egg, get to her at once and then separate her from the flock.

This is highly likely to incite cannibalism if you don’t. The sooner you separate her and treat her, the sooner you can return her to the flock.

Use Decoy Eggs (for egg cannibalism)

If any of your birds has started munching on eggs, you can curb it by using a decoy egg. There are special products sold just for the purpose, or you might use something like a golf ball that you leave in the nesting box after you take the eggs out on your morning rounds.

When the offending chicken or chickens come by to get a little snack and peck the hard, unyielding decoy, this will give them a strong incentive to discontinue the behavior.