Agressive behavior

[gmachicken]

Hi I have a mixed batch of hens.
Some Bantams are getting picked on regularly buy not only the larger hens but fellow Bantams. This has been going on for some time. The littlest ones are the most picked on. Though other than missing feathers they are normal and still get out with the rest when their mood suits them.

It has been pretty warm here in SO Oregon of late, so maybe this next item is because of that.
this AM I put some wheat tortillas out for a treat with some lettuce, It was mostly gone and two then a third if my big girls got into a major fight over a piece of tortilla, It went on for a couple of minutes, They were at each other like roos. I had never seen this before. It was disturbing to say the least.

They are chickens so maybe this just something I'd never been around to see.

Thank you for your comments.

Any thoughts on nursing a yellow jacket bite/sting.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

My chickens tend to start arguments with each other when there is added stress in the flock (like a flock addition or moving them to another pen).

Make sure you have enough feeders for your picked-on banties to get food. I have noticed that the smallest banties have a hard time sometimes.

 

[heidiandjeff]

Chickens can be amazingly cruel to each other. I have seen hens literally peck one nearly to death. As soon as the bullies break the skin of the victim, they go for blood. I think the only thing to do is separate the ones who are being picked on before they are injured. I think plenty of space and feeders help. You want the "victim" hens to be able to get away from the bullies.

I still love my hens, but I remember when they picked on one hen that was moulting. I separated her for a few days, and when I put her back in the pen with the flock, she flew up to me as if begging to be taken out of the pen.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

One time I had some d'Uccles (very small bantams) mixed in with large fowl and other bantams.

I kept everyone penned up, but then decided to start free ranging them. Every day, I would open the gate and the large fowl and other bantams would head out the gate to the inviting grass beyond.

The d'Uccles went to the feeders and ate ravenously (instead of free ranging).


***I separated them out after this, as I realized they must be so hungry all the time!

 

[gmachicken]

Thanks for the information. I am thinking about separating them. Just need to do some work on the MINI Coop and need a run so the big girls don't go calling.

I will put three bantams in and see what happens to the rest.

thanks again.