Bullies

[TinaMarieofFL]

Have three 3 yr old Ameracauna hens. The largest one has been picking on the smallest one. I brought the littlest one (Autumn) into the house. She was terribly thin, I think the others were not allowing her to feed. Fast forward four weeks, Autumn is up and running, so I put her back into the coop and removed the bully (Lucille). She is currently in my laundry room, has been for four days. My problem is that now the second largest (Beth) is picking on Autumn.
What do I do now? I thought by removing Lucille for a while, she'd chill and the other two would be ok. I only have 1 coop/pen and 1 laundry room.
Help!

 

[Yardmom]

Do they have more than one eating area and places to hide (but not get trapped)? If not add them and then be patient as they work out pecking order whenever birds are put in and taken out.

 

[Chookchicken]

It’s called the pecking order if their just pecking each other. If there is no blood, scabs, lots of feathers being pulled, or all of the above then it isn’t bullying. You are not doing those chickens any favours by removing Lucille, even if it would’ve worked she would be right at it again once you put her back. I would recommend having at least 2 sources of food and water (it’s best to have more), if you feed them manually (don’t have a feeder or anything like that) then I would recommend putting the feed in piles, one pile per chicken.

 

[Folly's place]

Actually, four piles for three birds, minimum. And two waterers, all in separate areas, so everyone gets food and water as needed.
Some birds just aren't 'nice' ,and it's also possible that the little one is not well, and the other two know it. More space, out of sight hiding places, and time might fix things, or someone will need to leave.
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

By removing and putting them back, that can shake up the pecking order... or make things worse, because if a chicken is gone too long, the others may not recognize her as a member of the flock any longer and therefore want to drive her away. Essentially you could be stuck having to reintegrate chickens over and over.

If a chicken needs to be isolated for any reason, best to do it in view of the others.

I agree that more feeders, placed far apart and with clutter to break line of sight, would be ideal.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

I have a dog crate I call The Bully Cage in a shaded area of my chicken's run. If anyone draws blood they get to hang out in there for a while(with food and water, of course, I'M NOT A MONSTER). They've always straightened up after that.

 

[TinaMarieofFL]

Do they have more than one eating area and places to hide (but not get trapped)? If not add them and then be patient as they work out pecking order whenever birds are put in and taken out.

No, I only have 1 feeder but two watering stations. I will try your suggestions. Thank you!

 

[TinaMarieofFL]

It’s called the pecking order if their just pecking each other. If there is no blood, scabs, lots of feathers being pulled, or all of the above then it isn’t bullying. You are not doing those chickens any favours by removing Lucille, even if it would’ve worked she would be right at it again once you put her back. I would recommend having at least 2 sources of food and water (it’s best to have more), if you feed them manually (don’t have a feeder or anything like that) then I would recommend putting the feed in piles, one pile per chicken.

It isn't just pecking. She pursues her when she runs away and pulls out her feathers. I'm going to try the multiple feeding area method. My only issue with that is that they are very messy eaters and the scattered food attracts rats.

 

[TinaMarieofFL]

Actually, four piles for three birds, minimum. And two waterers, all in separate areas, so everyone gets food and water as needed.
Some birds just aren't 'nice' ,and it's also possible that the little one is not well, and the other two know it. More space, out of sight hiding places, and time might fix things, or someone will need to leave.
Mary

I'm going to try multiple feeders and some sort of hiding places. This is the first time I've raised chickens, have grown fond of them and would hate to remove anyone.

 

[aart]

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.