Battling hens!

[MissChick@dee]

My EE is low on the totem pole. I swear she has vision problems. But she’s smart very smart. When I put out treats she’ll follow me back into the run. She knows I’ll give her her own treats. She’ll act all nonchalant so others don’t catch on. So far so good.

 

[Cryss]

Crowding could be a big part of the situation here.
I know you've tried to do a lot to alleviate it, but still....
....and sometimes a bird just does not fit into a flock.
It's hard to determine 'who's the bully'.
Removing a bird to a crate that's out of sight for a couple days might tell the tale.

I've increased space to almost 32 sqft for 7 birds. There will be more room in the future. The run has 275 sqft. Maybe, maybe not a problem.

Henneth is molting, she is acting and looking different, this can make her a target. She's only 41weeks old?

Ok, maybe molting is it. Is her age a factor?

Where is their feeder - it that it hanging up? Does it always have feed?

Yes, the feeder and waterer both hang and both are always filled to the brim.
Ok so i took this advice to heart. First, because I was worried Henneth would be dehydrated and hungry i put a small feeder in the upstairs aling with a black rubber bowl of water (right near the clean out door in case). I locked the flock out of the coop for an hour to give her a chance to eat. An hour later I removed the food and water and opened the coop. They all ran in since it was bedtime. Then I put the black water bowl in the run and another waterer all in different areas. Tomorrow when I return the feeders I will put them both out in different areas and I'll try to find a third thing to use as a feeder. Lets see how this works.
Thank you for the feedback. I'm looking forward to seeing how it works.

Just curious...what is on Roopecca's wing?

My big bad boy wears a bra. Thats the tail of the strap tied under his wing.

 

[MROO]

Doesn't really matter who the head hen is.....
.....spread treats out on the ground to avoid this scenario.

Battles can ensue at all levels of the pecking order...sh!t rolls downhill!

If you spread your treat bins out further, they'll be harder for one hen to patrol successfully.

 

[Cryss]

@aart I just reread my previous responses and realized my response to you came off sounding sharp. My apologies! That wasn't what I was going for! I know you have watched me struggle to get things better and you have been a big help. I wanted to let you know how close I am to getting there! I will get there thanks to help from you and everyone here. I love this place!

 

[OldEnglishGameBantam33]

to me, it looks like the pecking order working itself out!

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

When my girls do this the roos stand around and watch making sounds that I really can't figure out. It sounds like concern or interest or wonder or something ("Now girls, don't get too rough!", or "Wow! Check out that punch!"). It's really quite amusing.

 

[MissChick@dee]

When my girls do this the roos stand around and watch making sounds that I really can't figure out. It sounds like concern or interest or wonder or something ("Now girls, don't get too rough!", or "Wow! Check out that punch!"). It's really quite amusing.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

@Cryss We all know that you have been making changes and have made a lot of progress!
You are doing well. Just change up one thing at a time. I understand it can be frustrating when they seem to be at war, but I've found that usually after a couple of days things settle down.

 

[aart]

@aart I just reread my previous responses and realized my response to you came off sounding sharp. My apologies! That wasn't what I was going for!

No Problem...I'm more about facts than feelies.

 

[Cryss]

So this morning there are 3 each of food and water stations. Henneth had to be encouraged to come out. It didn't last long. The other Barred Rock, Petra, decided to attack and chase her so she ran back in. We shall see how the day unfolds.