Bully chicken

[ryuloveschickens1230]

I have a hen named Dottie and she is always pecking at 2 specific hens that I have. How do I stop the bullying?

 

[EChicky]

I had a very similar problem with one of my hens, who was coincidentally also named Dottie
What I did is separate her from the flock for a few days and then reintroduce her. This kinda gave her a restart. If that doesn’t work, I would give her a bath and place her with the other chickens while she’s still a little wet. I’ve had friends who’ve done this and it seems to demote their self esteem if that makes any sense.

 

[ryuloveschickens1230]

I had a very similar problem with one of my hens, who was coincidentally also named Dottie
What I did is separate her from the flock for a few days and then reintroduce her. This kinda gave her a restart. If that doesn’t work, I would give her a bath and place her with the other chickens while she’s still a little wet. I’ve had friends who’ve done this and it seems to demote their self esteem if that makes any sense.

Thanks, ill try the 2nd method and if that doesnt work ill try the first one

 

[ChookaPete]

Is Dottie pecking at those two hens viciously? Like actually chase after them and peck them then chase them away from the feeder tray or water bowl? Does she chase them down across the yard, stand on top of them, and peck at them savagely?

 

[16 and me]

Here's an excellent article by Azygous. I've found this to be a great help.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

 

[ryuloveschickens1230]

Is Dottie pecking at those two hens viciously? Like actually chase after them and peck them then chase them away from the feeder tray or water bowl? Does she chase them down across the yard, stand on top of them, and peck at them savagely?

yes.

 

[ryuloveschickens1230]

yes.

 

[ChookaPete]

yes.

Oh no!

You have to discipline her, immediately when she attacks her victim. And squirt her with the hose. She'll sulk but a bit of time after do treat her nicely so she knows you still love and care for her - this helps the process.

She might peck at the chooks later as per a typical pecking order behaviour, but this hopefully will stop her being savage.

 

[RuralChick83]

Here's an excellent article by Azygous. I've found this to be a great help.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

Great article! Experiencing bullying for the last month since my lead hen died. I did separate my victim to heal and I think I will let her free range on her own for awhile to perk up.