Chicken Pecking

CHICKENTIKKA82

In the Brooder
Hello everyone, Hope your all well.

I have three chickens. A "Bluebelle", a "Suffolk Star" and a "Bovans Nova". Our chickens have a 4x5m sheltered (2m high) run, a coop fit for 6 birds plenty of pellets, fresh corn, fresh vegetables, fresh water and on top of that around 10 hours free ranging every day.

My Bluebelle, who appears to rule the roost has started to constantly peck the other two hens. This happens even when free ranging. It is a constant and obsessive light peck that is driving me nuts and will be stressing out the other birds who are very placid. There's no fighting or missing feathers, no loud squarks or squeals. She just pecks them constantly when near and will literally follow one hen pecking it before moving onto the next hen.

She's a good layer and lays everyday and is the most friendly hen. I'm keen to stop this behaviour as soon as possible before I have to take her back.

I understood space can be an issue that can lead to this behaviour but they have lots and lots of space, bugs to eat, grass to eat etc. I also heard that lack of food can lead to this behaviour but theres loads of food.

Its strange.

Has anyone had a similar experience and knows of any methods to prevent this.

Ps I don't want to be buying "Anti peck" spray and spraying it on them every single day if possible.

Thanks people.
 
If it does not bother the other birds, and there are no missing feathers or injuries, I would not worry about it. You could try separating her and confining her away from the other birds for a few days, sometimes that will cause a bully to quit bullying, but it does not really sound like bullying to me.
 
Thanks. I think its more annoying for me when she just constantly does it. Generally when other hens are in her personal space I think. Its like an obsessive compulsive disorder to peck them. The other hens will just continue to eat, look around and look more awkward than anything that this weird chicken is pecking them for no reason.

Thanks again for the reassurance.
 
My Black hen does that as well.. When another hen comes up and- Brakes her personal bubble) she will peck them and they will go away. Its just her showing that she is the boss. They will finally realize to not get to close, I agree with @1muttsfan Keep her in a different cage for a little while. Its good that Your other hens don't seem to mind much.
 

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