Bully Brewing

[Deleted member 94844]

Hey guys... just got a new batch of chicks... all orpingtons... blue/black, lav, and jubilee. Had a buff that died in transit, blue was on death’s door, but hand fed her and she recovered. The jubilee was the biggest upon arrival and was a little bossy, but the others are now near 2x bigger and she chilled. A friend ordered another batch of chicks and I got a black/lav orp to replace the one that died. Has been fine with the bigger chicks, the lav and blue have been especially good with her, mothering it, but now I’ve seen the jubilee peck at the baby a few times. Separated her last night. My question is, is there any way to train or discipline this behavior? I’ve tried a “hand of god” technique, grabbing her and saying NO when she does it, but does not seem to understand and just goes back to bullying again. The jubilee is the prettiest and I’d hate to get rid of her, but a bully killed my favorite hen years ago and I’m not going through it again.

Advice greatly appreciated!

 

[sourland]

It's normal for larger chicks to peck at smaller chicks. The chicken social order is like mean girls in high school. I'd separate the smaller chick with a couple of the more mellow chicks until it is larger.

 

[Deleted member 94844]

The bigger ones are totally fine with it... I think its just the personality. After putting the bully with the ducks all night she has stopped pecking at the baby. Hasn’t done it once all morning. Lol.