Aggressive chicken harming another - advice needed

[HorizonChickens]

We have 6 hens just over a year old -- 1 Golden Comet and 5 Amber Sex-links. Chicken coupe is 4' X 8' with 3 laying boxes (set outside the coupe space) and a 14' X 8' X 6.5' aviary space. Fresh food, scratch, veggies and water are given daily. Here's the issue:

One of the Sex-links (Lucy) is very aggressive to just one other Sex-link (Pearl) -- has been for a few months now. Today I noted that Pearl (the attacked hen) is staying in one of the laying boxes and when out with the others works to stay away from the flock. If she moves much, Lucy (attacker) chases her and pecks her. Pearl has large bare, red spots on both wings - no feathers and while not bleeding, red and sore.

These are my first chickens and I am at a loss of what to do to stop the bullying. I'm afraid that Lucy is going to kill Pearl and then begin bullying the next most passive hen.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Lisa

 

[sourland]

If possible put Lucy in a separate pen for a week or so-- a chicken time out. When you put her back with the flock watch all interactions. She may get her butt kicked, and that would be a good thing. If she resumes her bullying, I would get rid of her. You are probably correct about her picking another "target" if something happened to Pearl.

 

[donrae]

Quote:
That's what I was gonna say!

 

[HorizonChickens]

Thank you so much. A time out it will be. I'll keep you all posted!

Lisa