Bullying can be a serious problem. Whether its minor or major, it affects the health of your flock. In this article I will go over what bullying can look like, when it is important to intervene, and how to take the right actions to stop it.
What Does Bullying Look Like?
Just like in school, bullying is when a certain hen picks on another. For instance, an older hen might pick on a younger, new member of the flock. Bullying can range from pecking, plucking, and in worse cases even murder. However, it is important to note that sometimes flocks have squabbles. These chicken-fights can be over food, a place in the pecking order, attention, and much more. While you may feel inclined to step in, if a hen is only protecting her place in the pecking order, try not to mess with her unless she keeps doing it.
When Bullying Becomes BAD
If a hen continuously and non-stop is bullying another, it is time to intervene. Check the victim for blood, missing feathers, weight loss, and other signs of injury or illness. Some hens wait until dark to strike, plucking their victim bald in the night. Others will do it anytime, and anywhere. If a bullying case is left uncared for, it can often result in death.
How To Help
There are many actions you can take to prevent future bullying.
Jail the troublemaker: Create a small cage and place the bully into the cage with food and water. Keep her there for a few weeks or until she stops bullying.
Consider putting her up for adoption: You may want to try to get rid of the problem altogether. Try finding somebody who wants only one chicken.
Take the victim away: You might instead place the victim in a cage, that way the bully can't attack her and loses interest.
Overall
Bullying in a chicken flock can lead to major consequences if let happen. Make sure to take the right steps to help your hens create a safer environment!
What Does Bullying Look Like?
Just like in school, bullying is when a certain hen picks on another. For instance, an older hen might pick on a younger, new member of the flock. Bullying can range from pecking, plucking, and in worse cases even murder. However, it is important to note that sometimes flocks have squabbles. These chicken-fights can be over food, a place in the pecking order, attention, and much more. While you may feel inclined to step in, if a hen is only protecting her place in the pecking order, try not to mess with her unless she keeps doing it.
When Bullying Becomes BAD
If a hen continuously and non-stop is bullying another, it is time to intervene. Check the victim for blood, missing feathers, weight loss, and other signs of injury or illness. Some hens wait until dark to strike, plucking their victim bald in the night. Others will do it anytime, and anywhere. If a bullying case is left uncared for, it can often result in death.
How To Help
There are many actions you can take to prevent future bullying.
Jail the troublemaker: Create a small cage and place the bully into the cage with food and water. Keep her there for a few weeks or until she stops bullying.
Consider putting her up for adoption: You may want to try to get rid of the problem altogether. Try finding somebody who wants only one chicken.
Take the victim away: You might instead place the victim in a cage, that way the bully can't attack her and loses interest.
Overall
Bullying in a chicken flock can lead to major consequences if let happen. Make sure to take the right steps to help your hens create a safer environment!
