Smallest Hen Getting Hen Pecked

[VirginVegGrower]

Right I have stood back for a couple of days whilst they settle in and establish order, the two bigger Marans being the bossy boots who have to eat first and if the two younger/smaller ones come anywhere near whilst they are feeding - peck peck! It is cold today here but the splash has taken herself upstairs into the coop with the two bigger marans making noise outside the door. I have given her separate food and water and fenced off a section for her alone. The Cream Legbar who is a bit bigger appears to manage the domination of the other two, but the splash looks petrified and runs everywhere. Should I isolate her like this or put the Legbar in with her? I have another coop. Or could it be that she was just cold?
I know I am sounding like a paranoid idiot here but I just don't want to do nothing even though I know it is early days.

[chris]

Are they drawing blood? I think RH advised Flum unless they're pulling feathers out/causing damage to let them get on with it - it;s probably as they're new (mine came all from the same "farm" and were in the same cage with countless others so haven't had to put up with that - I see them doing the odd stare out, but they usually get distracted with something else) and wanting to establish who's boss.

I'm sure it'll settle down eventually!

[VirginVegGrower]

Are they drawing blood? I think RH advised Flum unless they're pulling feathers out/causing damage to let them get on with it - it;s probably as they're new (mine came all from the same "farm" and were in the same cage with countless others so haven't had to put up with that - I see them doing the odd stare out, but they usually get distracted with something else) and wanting to establish who's boss.

I'm sure it'll settle down eventually!

No, no blood (have picked her up and looked) I think she's just terrified. She looks a bit calmer sitting in the coop. I have given her a bowl of water and food but she seems not to be doing much at all hence my popping out every half hour to check on her. The others are fine, following each other everywhere. Have given her toast and marmite too - just half a slice to peck at. Am still rather worried.

Forgot to say - thanks for answering my many questions even though you must be getting fed up with so many. Much appreciated.

[chris]

Nothing in comparision to the rubbish I've asked, happy I can repay the favour

[Flummery]

Yes, I've had a similar problem. My top hen was persecuting the three new girls, to the extent of pulling out feathers. We had them separated by stiff netting down the length of the run which helped - they could see each other but not get at each other. Eventually we separated the top hen as she was the one bullying and the other two got on well with the newcomers. Top hen laid a soft egg on Sunday (still hasn't produced another though she's out best layer normally) and went into Poorly Hen mode Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday afternoon we put them all together on a bit of fenced off garden that they can dig in if they want. She wasn't even feeling up to chasing them. They all went to bed together last night and today she's back on form. She's still lunging at them and giving the occasional peck but all 3 get this, not just one.

Can you separate her within the run for a while? Is just one hen doing it? Maybe you can separate her? If they aren't actually pulling her feathers out, she'll cope I think. It makes them skittery and wary but that's how they manage - avoiding danger. Danger is all around when you taste like chicken!

[Hans Mum]

when i adopted Linda's hooligans they were a handful and ganged up on my flock, i spent some time with them with a loaded water pistol (soaker actually) they soon learned

[VirginVegGrower]

Well I thank you all for your words of comfort and wisdom. I decided to step in as chief overseer when little Eloise popped out this afternoon. Great big brooding Madders (only egg layer - I think) came out to have a go straight away so I found my bamboo stick and poked it gently down the top of the run and big bully ran off up to the other end of the playground. The others just walked round it merrily all getting in their feed and watering time. They are all locked up safe for the night with full tums. Amazing what you learn on the job! I feel much happier tonight.

[VirginVegGrower]

when i adopted Linda's hooligans they were a handful and ganged up on my flock, i spent some time with them with a loaded water pistol (soaker actually) they soon learned

I like your style. I took aim yesterday at the neighbour's cat who was atop my fence. He got my son's supersoaker which is lying in the landing window. Hasn't been back since.
I feel like a security guard patrolling all the time - waiting for the enemy!

[Glutton4...]

You could spray them all with a mild vinegar solution, so they all smell the same - many folk say that this will help cure any 'argy-bargy.' Personally, I would leave them together to sort out their own order, but I'm like that! Just make sure they have sufficient space and some obstacles, to aid their escape and no tight corners to be penned in. Also, make sure there are ample feed and water points throughout their run, so no-one goes without. They'll be fine in a few days.

[VirginVegGrower]

You could spray them all with a mild vinegar solution, so they all smell the same - many folk say that this will help cure any 'argy-bargy.' Personally, I would leave them together to sort out their own order, but I'm like that! Just make sure they have sufficient space and some obstacles, to aid their escape and no tight corners to be penned in. Also, make sure there are ample feed and water points throughout their run, so no-one goes without. They'll be fine in a few days.

They all came from the same place and were in different walk in runs with other birds. Think all that egg laying has gone to Madeline's head.
I feel a lot better about it all this evening.
Thanks again everyone.

[Suechooks]

There always has to be a pecking order - its nomal behaviour in hens as they are naturally a flock bird. You will always get a bottom hen - mine is the youngest Black Rock and she gets chased away from everything including the pop-hole at night until everyone else has gone in. They'll sort out their order - they're happier knowing where they stand even if its looks horrid to us.

[Flummery]

I was told about the dilute vinegar trick - at night when they're asleep - so they all wake up smelling the same. I didn't think that would wash becases the two lots of hens are totally different colours, a red batch and a black batch. No matter what they smell like, they won't be fooled!

[francesbean]

I'm of the leave them alone and they'll work it out persuasion - unless of course one is being horribly pecked. I have found that it really takes about 2 weeks for newbies to get really established, but once they have - there are no problems. A bit of argy bargy and chasing and pecking is really their nature - we have to respect that - I think that seperating them just prolongs the issue. In my limited experience I have had success introducing a new hen at night straight into the house - it may be the smell thing - by the morning it will have taken on a nightimes scent - but even so there is always chasing and mild pecking!.

good luck and don't worry too much.

francesbean

[elizajay]

It's my biggest that gets bullied. I have to admit she is a bit of a guts when she manages to get near food and her "mother" who hatched her and is about a 1/3 her size jumps up and her and gives her proper telling off about her table manners.

[VirginVegGrower]

I'm of the leave them alone and they'll work it out persuasion - unless of course one is being horribly pecked. I have found that it really takes about 2 weeks for newbies to get really established, but once they have - there are no problems. A bit of argy bargy and chasing and pecking is really their nature - we have to respect that - I think that seperating them just prolongs the issue. In my limited experience I have had success introducing a new hen at night straight into the house - it may be the smell thing - by the morning it will have taken on a nightimes scent - but even so there is always chasing and mild pecking!.

good luck and don't worry too much.

francesbean

Thank you - I won't - just horrid to see her alone. Don't like bullying. They seemed OK later so long as I stood there.