Bullied chicken

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I am having this same problem. 1 Buff Oprington (top hen), 2 Black Australorps and 1 cochin bantam. They were all raised together since day old chicks and got along fine until about 3 months ago they started picking the bantam bald on her head. It got to the point that she started to scab up from the pecking. I think they have started preventing her from accessing the food and water during the day. Last night I brought her and the main bully (2nd in rank) inside and kept them in a large dog cage side by side. The bully was not able to get to the little one, and the little one was able to rest without being pecked.

My question is this: Should I be keeping the two main aggressors away/inside so that the little one and the Buff Orp can re-establish a new pecking order (if they even will?)

OR

Should I keep the victim and the main aggressor together, but separate so the aggressor learns she can't pick on the little one?

My coop/run area is small which where they spend the day while I'm at work. They free range for several hours once I am home from work, but it seems the damage is done by then. Working on getting a larger set up for this summer.

Any suggestions would be awesome. thanks!

I might think about setting up a separate bantam coop and getting her a friend or two. Sometimes it can work to mix bantams and standards, but there needs to be lots of room. In close confinement the bantams are often bullied unfortunately.