Girl Gang Chuks

[Chuky cupcake]

I have a problem, can anyone advise me? I have 1 black rock, 1 speckledy who are both lovely and get on. Then there are 2 bovan goldlines who gang up on my speckeldy and have injured her. Its horrific to watch and I have tried sin-bining them and isolation but they just keep on attacking her.
They occasionally try it on with the black rock but she gives out in retaliation every now and then.
Cried today when i got home and saw the state of my beautiful speckledy.
Help me ! please.

[frias]

Hello CC welcome to the vine. I've not had experience of bullying so can't really advise. I know the recommended is putting the bully on her own. As you have 2 of them and have tried that how about putting just one on her own? Is one of the Goldlines the ringleader? Hope someone who knows what to do comes along soon.

[Chuky cupcake]

Thanks Frias, Yes you're right one is the ring leader, Ruby! I'm so sad as the farm they came from said to return them as this did'nt sound good. My fellow chuk keeper at work said it may be because there is 2 of them and 1 each of the others, 'Birds of a Feather and all that' What say you. Lovely to cyber meet you and thnks for the support.

[frias]

I have 3 ex-batts and have just put my name down for 3 more. I am already worrying that the oldies might bully the newbies and I haven't got them yet.

[di]

When the "gang" were being particularly horrid to Marigold,I picked up the ringleader & wandered around with her under my arm for ten mins or so...in the run.It was advice from here & certainly seemed to have an effect of bringing her down a peg or two!!!....just a shame the other nine decided to take turns in being the ringleader!...but I'd definately suggest giving it a go!
They can be so horrid at times & I'm totally sympathetic with how it's brought you to tears!Hope it resolves soon!xx

[Suechooks]

Try putting the ring leader on her own away from the others for up to a week (at least 48 hours initially). Bring her back when you can be there to observe for a few hours. It worked for one of mine. I keep them on the allotment so I brought the bully home for a week - since she went back she has gone up the pecking order again but doesn't bully any more.
Spray the Speckledy with an antipeck spray (Gentian violet too if blood has been drawn)

If that doesn't work I'd do as the farm suggests and return them

[Chuky cupcake]

Chuky Cupcake

Hi Guys, Thanks so much for welcoming me to the forum. I feel much better and your advice and guidance is invaluable, what a fab invention.
My lovely Speckeldy, Valerie went to the happy coup in the sky today, humanely by our vet. It appears she had a neurological problem and the Goldlines knew there was something wrong and it was their way of protecting the flock and their way of a cull as horrific as it was.
When we look back, Val did do some odd things and they match with the vets testimonial, from the off she was'nt quite right.
Bizarrely, there has been harmony this afternoon, Ruby the top Goldline still exerts her authority and has let the one Blackrock we have know she is still top beak. BUT... things are calmer and our vet undercharged us for our sensitivity as he does'nt like the usual dispatch methods. Bless you all for your support and 5 minutes of wonderful is better than a life time of nothing.
xxxxx from us

[Chuky cupcake]

I spoke to a lovely lady from a local farm today and she said when the pecking order is sorted it generally calms and there will be occasional pecking to remind who is who. Our problem was a medical one and the flock tried to sort it as it would in the wild, nature or nuture and this was nature. We are new to this and its been a huge heart wrenching learning curve. Your's will be fine and your a star for giving those girls a second chance , bless you and good luck, x

[Chuky cupcake]

I have to say my faith in human nature is totally restored meeting you guys on the forum, everyone is so supportive and I think it's wonderful. Have a good day tomorrow all of you. x chuky

[frias]

It's sad that Valerie had to go but if she was ill, It was for the best. I also have a good vet and have had 2 hens put to sleep this year. One was our boss hen but she was never a bully, only tweaked the odd comb if something displeased her. None of the others have taken over as boss so hopefully getting new hens will go smoothly. I haven't been given a date yet but looking forward and worrying about it in equal measures. Is the farm going to give you a replacement Hen?

[Flummery]

Sorry to hear about Valerie, Chuky. It's a hard life out in the wild woods - chickens do pick on one that's ill or injured. I hope the calm continues!

[Crundy]

Auntie Mo here suggested something to me when one of my chooks was feather plucking the other. Pick up the one being bullied and thrust her at the bully(s) and chase them around with her. They see this as aggression from the hen and start to leave them alone afterwards.

I don't know if it works, but the theory is sound.

[frias]

I must have missed that post at the time. I will try to store that tip in the old grey matter for future reference if needed.

[MaureenHall]

Yes, I know it sounds odd, and I can't remember where I got the tip from, but it does sound as if it works. I'm just waiting for a bully to test it out on (hope I didn't speak too soon!!)

[HayleyB]

Seems the gang sorted themselves out shame about Val though.

Frias don't worry about the 3 newies they will all sort themselves out after a few days and they will become one flock although the pecking order isn't nice to watch with 3v3 they'll be fine.