Bully chickens.

[Tsamardinos]

First, let me say this is the first time I’ve ever had chickens. About 2 1/2 years ago I got 3 baby chicks, a leghorn, Easter egger, and a buff. They really like each other and get along great. A neighbor was getting rid of a bantam because he was moving. I asked if they would be okay together, he said yes so I took her. After about two months of them being together it turns out they are not okay at all. They attacked the bantam and almost killed her so I separated them. The bantam wants to be with them so bad. She makes noises and paces the fence to get in with them. I don't know if chickens can be lonely buy I think she is. Do I try and put them together again? Do I get the bantam another chick so she is not alone? She has had chicks before so I’m told. I’m not really sure what the best thing to do for her is. She does not lay eggs anymore and just paces the fence. They can see and hear each other. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

I'd get her some other bantam friends. I have a mixed flock (bantams and standards) and the bantams stick together. If she has a friend that's her size she and that friend will be able to stick together amongst the bigger chickens.

 

[Tsamardinos]

I'd get her some other bantam friends. I have a mixed flock (bantams and standards) and the bantams stick together. If she has a friend that's her size she and that friend will be able to stick together amongst the bigger chickens.

Would you get some chicks and put them with her? Do you think one other would be good enough?

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

I have two bantam hens that hang out together in my flock of standards.

I wouldn't get her chicks unless shes broody. If she's not broody she could reject the chicks and then you have a problem. I would get her a full grown friend.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Would you get some chicks and put them with her? Do you think one other would be good enough?

If she is not broody, you'll need to raise the chicks and then integrate them with her. I would not do 1 chick as the chick would be lonely until it could safely be integrated with the hen. 2 or 3 would be a better number, if you have space for that many.

 

[aart]

Integrating a single bird into an established flock is the hardest integration...
...especially when single bird is 'odd'(small, topknotted, etc)...and even more so when the flock number is small.

Space is key, integration works best with lots of space.
This might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/

So might these tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/