She is the top hen out of 8 and always has been despite being the smallest. Her comb is large and flops over but is a good red colour. She seems healthy, chatty and active. Quite slim, though I think that's a breed characteristic. She's a white leghorn and lays nearly every day, lovely sparkley white eggs. She isn't the one who went broody, that was Speckle.
Wondered about the protein. but she has a good diet. They have access to layers pellets all the time, with healthy treats only in the afternoon. They are let out into the garden occasionally for a graze and a slug hunt, though not as often as I'd like due to risk of foxes, and recently, a neighbours dog.
She prefers the white fluffy feathers of Connie our white Sussex. So Connie now gets a regular spray of barrier anti peck, and because of that has managed to grow her knickers back. 2nd fav is little Pea our Blackrock, but I've watched, and she will have a swipe at whoever is passing within range.
Have to say that now Connie's got her knickers back I don't think any of them are suffering because if it, and certainly no injury. Their run is spacious so they can avoid her if they choose to, and the bigger ones, the bluebells and speckled have learned to leg it if she gets near! Connie, Pea and the 2 warrens haven't quite sussed that out yet though.
I can try the broody cage. But wouldn't the pecking order adjust back when she was reintroduced? She seems to be the natural leader despite being so small. Never a bully though, initially just asserted herself through posture and stares. The feather habbit is more recent. Up to now she's been the perfect head chook so I'm almost reluctant to change things. But, willing to give anything a go to stop this, apart from beak clips. Really don't like the look of them.
Might try extra protein first though. Maybe a personal daily ration of mealworms might do the trick? She'd love that....so that's maybe what I'll try first. Why would she be deficient in protein though, that's the puzzle?
Appreciate your advice Mr Design. It's really helpful to have someone else's view on the situation. Many thanks.