Bully Hen

[Bluenoser]

Good day...We have three Bovan Browns, one is a bully. Her name is Penny. We have three Bovan Blacks as well. Molly is the meekest. Penny is bullying Molly all the time. We now have to keep them separated. Any chance Penny has, she will bite Molly's neck and shakes her and even sneak attacks her and almost hammers her when she pecks, and VERY intentionally. Molly has both her eyes closed most of the time. Molly was traumatized on her way to us, and had to be nurtured. She is only now coming around starting to thrive. Is this part of the pecking order? Any suggestions?

 

[FrostRanger]

I'd separate Penny from the flock if you haven't and keep her away for a week or 2 to reset her position in the pecking order and if that doesn't help, put some pinless peepers on Penny. If none of that works, you'll have to either rehome or cull her

 

[aart]

Separating the bully will at least give the bullied a break.

How old are these birds, in weeks or months?
How long have you had them all(how many),
were some just added to the flock?
How big is the coop and run, in feet by feet(or meters by meters)?
Dimensions and pics would help here.

 

[Bluenoser]

I'd separate Penny from the flock if you haven't and keep her away for a week or 2 to reset her position in the pecking order and if that doesn't help, put some pinless peepers on Penny. If none of that works, you'll have to either rehome or cull her

Thank you SO much FrostRanger...we'll try that! Blessings from Nova Scotia!

 

[CombNWattles]

My normally gentle birds attack sick flock members relentlessly. If Molly is still recovering, Penny might be trying to climb over her in the pecking order.

 

[Bluenoser]

They sure are social...I grew up in a big city (Montréal)...this is all new to me but exciting. Thank you SO much for your feedback CombNWattles...blessings from Nova Scotia!

 

[Bluenoser]

Thank you SO much FrostRanger...we'll try that! Blessings from Nova Scotia!

How far apart do you suggest Penny to be separated from her flock?

 

[FrostRanger]

Preferably out of sight, but if you can only do a wire dog crate in the run then that might work too

 

[Bluenoser]

Separating the bully will at least give the bullied a break.

How old are these birds, in weeks or months?
How long have you had them all(how many),
were some just added to the flock?
How big is the coop and run, in feet by feet(or meters by meters)?
Dimensions and pics would help here.

23 weeks...we've had them for two weeks....there are 3 brown bovans and 3 black bovans all came at once...have already isolated the bully, she's changing her attitude...thanks for the tips! The bullied is beginning to change now and is more confident...

 

[AGeese]

23 weeks...we've had them for two weeks....there are 3 brown bovans and 3 black bovans all came at once...have already isolated the bully, she's changing her attitude...thanks for the tips! The bullied is beginning to change now and is more confident...

If she's a fairly dominant hen she may just end up reestablishing her place at the top. Make sure to set up multiple feeders and drinkers at opposite locations, and some things that break up the area to allow the ones on the lower end of the pecking order an out from being pecked on.