Bully hen

[Erin80]

I have a 1 year old SLW hen who lives peacefully with 7 other hens. I’m trying to integrate 5 babies (7 1/2 weeks) slowly into this flock (though 3 are cockerels so won’t be staying long). My SLW hen will stalk the babies, and then mercilessly chase them (this is while everyone is free ranging and have tons and tons of space, multiple food and water stations). Since the babies have lots of room, they have always escaped but she is relentless. Any ideas? Should I pen her somewhere? All my other hens are curious but being kind or completely ignoring them. I’ve had the coop and run split in half with chicken wire for 3 weeks now so they’ve seen lots of each other. I still separate them at night because I don’t trust my big hens in a run with the babies.

 

[sourland]

I'd put the aggressive hen on time out for a couple of weeks while the chicks integrate into the flock.

 

[aart]

I'd put the aggressive hen on time out for a couple of weeks while the chicks integrate into the flock.

Or at least crate her in the run for most the day so the chicks get a break.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I would not call that behavior normal but it isn't unusual. Some hens are like that and often it is not the dominant hen. You have done everything right. Often this behavior comes when they are in tight quarters but yours free range.

My definition of a successful integration is that none get hurt. Don't expect the bigs and littles to closely intermingle, that would be a bit unusual but can happen. Be happy for them to not be hurt. They will mingle better when the littles mature.

I'd also lock her up. Not sure how long is long enough but probably a few days at least. See how she does when you let her out. I've had some success changing behaviors with isolation but some failures too.

Always solve for the peace of the flock. When an individual consistently disrupts that they don't last long in my flock. In another three months those pullets should be able to handle her, it could take that long. One or two isolation periods may cure her of this behavior, I'd think a good chance. You may to need to isolate her for months. Or you may decide cockerels aren't all you should be eating.

I wish you luck.

 

[Erin80]

I decided to sell her along with her best friend, a cuckoo maran. We have 11 chicks growing right now, so I don’t mind giving away two of my one year old hens