A bullying problem

[Dee the Feather]

Hi all, I would appreciate some advice on a bullying problem. I have a small flock with one large Suffolk Black Roo (Dennis), 2 Buff Orpingtons (Thelma and Louise), and 3 pullets raised by Thelma (2 are female - have just started laying - and 1 is currently gender neutral). Thelma gets a bit too much attention from Dennis the Roo and I think may be stressed by this. She is passing on her stress by bullying one of the pullets, who I think is laying soft shell eggs as a result. All the birds look pretty healthy and no actual pecking is going on just keeping her from feed etc and chasing her off all the time plus possibly they are eating some of the soft shell eggs.

I have a separate pen in view of the main pen, and I am wondering if I should isolate EITHER Thelma OR Dennis the rooster OR the poor little pullet for a few days... I'd be glad to know from more experienced keepers.

I also have 7 chicks who are due to go into the separate pen, but have time to do an isolation before moving these guys in.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

More than likely Thelma was bottom hen before the pullets and she's now enjoying not being bottom bird. It's pretty normal for the younger ones to be chased away. It's always best to provide multiple feed and water stations.

Removing a rooster that's mating too much is always a good idea unless he's needed for some reason. Only you can tell if he's too much or not.

 

[Dee the Feather]

More than likely Thelma was bottom hen before the pullets and she's now enjoying not being bottom bird. It's pretty normal for the younger ones to be chased away. It's always best to provide multiple feed and water stations.

Removing a rooster that's mating too much is always a good idea unless he's needed for some reason. Only you can tell if he's too much or not.

More than likely Thelma was bottom hen before the pullets and she's now enjoying not being bottom bird. It's pretty normal for the younger ones to be chased away. It's always best to provide multiple feed and water stations.

Removing a rooster that's mating too much is always a good idea unless he's needed for some reason. Only you can tell if he's too much or not.

Hello there Oldhenlikesdogs, this is very helpful - you are quite right - Thelma WAS bottom bird before her chicks and she has become this matronly haridan now! I will provide more feed and water stations (am already providing 2) and I'll try removing Dennis then... I hope he won't be too lonely...

 

[Ruby Rogue]

What do you mean by one is gender neutral? It just hasn't started laying yet?

 

[Dee the Feather]

What do you mean by one is gender neutral? It just hasn't started laying yet?

It hasn't started laying yet - we thought Dennis was a hen before he started crowing so the bets are off for this young bird!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Hello there Oldhenlikesdogs, this is very helpful - you are quite right - Thelma WAS bottom bird before her chicks and she has become this matronly haridan now! I will provide more feed and water stations (am already providing 2) and I'll try removing Dennis then... I hope he won't be too lonely...

Most calm down after a bit. For the bottom birds in a flock, when new chicks are added It is their first time in a long time for them being able to dole out pecks instead of just receive them.

I've always penned roosters right next to the hens so they can continue to interact through the fence.

 

[Dee the Feather]

Most calm down after a bit. For the bottom birds in a flock, when new chicks are added It is their first time in a long time for them being able to dole out pecks instead of just receive them.

I've always penned roosters right next to the hens so they can continue to interact through the fence.

Hi there oldhenlikesdogs, I penned up Dennis this afternoon he is right next to the ladies, mostly they are chilled but Thelma has spent the whole afternoon pacing up and down trying to join him... hopefully she will calm down! Do you keep the rooster penned up at night or let him go in to the coop with the others? (I have a separate box if need be but he'd be pretty lonely in there)

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My situation is different from yours. I have multiple roosters, so I'm generally penning up younger ones until I figure what to do with them, or until they mature more.

Bottom hens will often spend more time with a rooster because he gives her protection from the other hens bullying her. In exchange the rooster will mate her more often because it's easy.

You could put a hen saddle on Thelma, but I personally don't like them. You can pen Dennis as much and as long as you think is enough to give hens a break. Is he breeding hens bald? If he isn't I might just leave it all be.

 

[Dee the Feather]

Hi there, thank you so much for the reassurance. He's not balding Thelma but she is quite raw on her sides... I doubt she'd enjoy a saddle... maybe I'll just keep him penned during the day for a bit - he certainly doesn't seem to mind it and perhaps she'll settle down... I'll keep you posted!

 

[Dee the Feather]

Thank you so much for your help and advice...