behaviour analysis

Hi Im new to this site, used it to gain info before getting our family of chickens.  We have two hens and three chicks, up to now I think I have identified their 'look kids... food' clucks as well as ' achtung strangers'  clucks as well as 'bed time kids' cluck. Today after two weeks the number one hen started making loud noises that last for up to 10 seconds, it is also more aggressive today (previously dominant but now aggressive).  I have isolated it their 'toblerhome' ( a triangle design 1.8m long 1.5m wide like a toblerone _ can you imagine a toblerone that big? with ramp to an upstairs for sleeping in )  They roost currently in my concrete bunker in the cellar,- more protection for the young uns.  They either have the run of our garden daytimes or when we are not about, all in the toblerhome.
Why this change in character, it has tried to wring the neck of one of the chicks!  It still scratches around, feeds etc and when isolated goes quiet.
Please help with ideas.  Thanks.

hello aunt, neither are, both have chicks that are about 5-6 weeks old.

i dont know how i tell if she's broody, our friends who gave us the birds said that they wouldnt lay for about 6 months!!

they were a pleasant bunch of chickens for two weeks -occasional pecks tween two chicks (assumed getting pecking order sraight) then mother seems to be intolerant.  Doesnt much provide food for youngsters any more.  It has become isolated, yet at bedtime last night the 'being pecked' dives under 'pecker' for a blissful nights sleep.  Animocities re-commenced this morning. Have isolated mum in cellar, am out today and dont want to come home to bones.

yes its the hen thats aggressive.

she does 'growl' when approached (or even when she approaches you)

doesnt really fluff up, though. :?

you summarise the situation better than me!  :?

i read muntjics piece on broodines - so ive kept her segregated and in the dark.

I have got one stroppy madam today; sitting in her box will not shift except to attack; I have been expecting it cos she's been plucking her breast feathers, does the cold water method actually work; i know you didn't think it did aunty, I checked the other post earlier, is there anything else that does work cos 2 other hens are doing the same and I don't want 3 unhappy chooks!

well, my hens odd behaviour is now not so extreme, she is laying eggs now-  ive had six in six days!! i guess she was distancing herself from her chicks, in order to concentrate on laying, how quickly after hatching should mother hen revert to laying?