I'm sure this has been asked and answered previously, so I apologize in advance if it's redundant.
I have 2 speckled Sussex 18 month old hens raised from chicks (originally a flock of 4 but we lost 2 this spring to a stray dog attack). We purchased 4 chicks this spring from TSC and this week put them together.
Background: several weeks ago when the pullets moved from the brooder, I set them up in a coop and run right next to the hens so they could see each other through the fence. After a few weeks, we put the pullets into for short periods of time, but moved them back each time due to one hen being particularly aggressive.
Putting the pullets with the hens on Sunday seemed to go better this time, so we left them together all day. But when dark came around, the bully hen would not allow the pullets into the coop and would chase and peck them. I intervened and put the bully hen alone in the adjacent coop and run, where she remained for about 36 hours. Today when I put her back, her chasing and pecking continued.
How best to handle this? Do I separate the bully again but for longer? Is this just normal pecking order and I'm being overly-sensitive? Do I just keep the two groups separate forever?
Thank you for any advice!
I have 2 speckled Sussex 18 month old hens raised from chicks (originally a flock of 4 but we lost 2 this spring to a stray dog attack). We purchased 4 chicks this spring from TSC and this week put them together.
Background: several weeks ago when the pullets moved from the brooder, I set them up in a coop and run right next to the hens so they could see each other through the fence. After a few weeks, we put the pullets into for short periods of time, but moved them back each time due to one hen being particularly aggressive.
Putting the pullets with the hens on Sunday seemed to go better this time, so we left them together all day. But when dark came around, the bully hen would not allow the pullets into the coop and would chase and peck them. I intervened and put the bully hen alone in the adjacent coop and run, where she remained for about 36 hours. Today when I put her back, her chasing and pecking continued.
How best to handle this? Do I separate the bully again but for longer? Is this just normal pecking order and I'm being overly-sensitive? Do I just keep the two groups separate forever?
Thank you for any advice!
I would separate her for up to a week and allow the pullets to integrate with the non aggressive hen. Hopefully after a longer 'vacation' her attitude will moderate. Some pecking/chasing is bound to happen. As long as blood isn't being drawn and all birds manage to eat and drink you may have to let them work things out.
