Big hen picking on bantam

[goodwiab]

I have five hens who have been together for a year with no issues. One ISA brown, two leghorns and two Japanese bantams. Recently, I noticed one of the leghorns establishing a pecking order it seemed and was packing on one of the bantams. The phantom would just duck and run away but nothing major. However the very next day, the large ISA brown started going after the bantam. She would not only pack but also chase her. They have a very large size run (about 10 by 10 ft) and coop. I noticed her yesterday even pull her off one of the items we have in the run (a little plastic bin they all like to hop on) and then her in the Leghorn pector and chased her until she ran back into the coop. It's been awful to witness. however I know that there is a pecking order and things might come down naturally but I found her this morning with a very bloody comb (see photo). The other leghorn and bantam don't seem to be bothering her at all. I know pecking order is the thing that how long do I let it last and who do I separate if I do? My heart is breaking because she's literally a third of the size of the ones picking on her.

 

[little chick-y baby mama]

that is not good news at all. if you tried separating them in a separate coop it would help, but I know you're thinking, buy a whole other coop?! No! Well, there is this little plan for a chicken coop that holds two chickens and it's really easy to build.


Look up "Beckys guide to raising chickens- fresh eggs and fun pets in your backyard" and go to the minute 12:24. watch that and see how you like it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If it's pecking order, I'd let them sort it out, even if there's a bit of blood.

Do you happen to have any photos of your run? You mentioned having some clutter in there but you may need more or to change up some of the placement, to better provide hiding places so the birds can navigate the run without the lower ranked bird offending the higher ranked one.

 

[goodwiab]

Here is a picture of the run. I have since taken out the gray boxes you see on the left. Ironically, this was only a few months ago and the two on top of the run are now the bully (the red) and the victim (the little black). As you can tell from the picture the bully and victim are drastically different sizes and is why this is upsetting me so much.

For a day I thought perhaps the victim was going broody; and I'm still not convinced this is not the case although she comes out a lot more in the evenings and isn't always in the nest box like some of my previous broodies did. I have no issues if she is broody; it is the bullying that is the issue.

The bullying is still going on and my poor bantam is living in fear. Even when free ranging, if the red comes near her she darts. If the red gets to her, she gets pecked violently. I have tried shaking a can of coffee beans to deter, but its not quite working. I would like to try to separate the two for a bit - but my question is- who do I separate? I have read articles on both separating the bully, or separating the victim- which works best that you all have tried? I have a dog crate that I will set up with peat moss, food, and water next to the run for a few days but let them roost at night.

I really can't thank you all enough for any help or advice. I am scheduled to have a baby this Friday and emotionally this is taking a huge toll on me; I can't stop crying. I just don't want my bantam living in fear.

 

[rosemarythyme]

For the size of the run it's not a bad amount of clutter. I'd maybe try rearranging things so there's something to break up the space in the center, i.e. move the waterer to the middle, as I've found clutter that's away from the walls is much more effective in providing visual cover.

I've never had bullying issues bad enough to need to separate. You may need to try it both ways - the article about separating the victim I assume is this one? https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

 

[goodwiab]

That's the one! And yes- I had thought about moving the waterer already so I will definitely try that. It's just that she so little and so scared- but she certainly never used to be this way! Everyone got along totally fine until about two weeks ago. I just wish I knew what is causing it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Everyone got along totally fine until about two weeks ago. I just wish I knew what is causing it.

Possibly they had a pecking order dispute and now the bigger bird wants to make sure the smaller one really remembers her place.

 

[smdcleland]

I am not sure if this will get a response since this was from a year ago, but I am having the same issue with my Bantam. Any resolution?