Bully Hen!!!

[Diamond438]

Hi there,

I am new to the forum and just after some advice. I had 2 Maran chickens who were absolute best friends but 1 was killed 2 days ago by a dog and so feeling sorry for the other one on its own I brought another chicken (Light Sussex) and ever since they were introduced the old hen has been very aggressive towards the new one but really having a go at it and it now just hides under the coop all day. If I let them out into the garden rather than just the run then its not as bad as the other chicken is faster and can run away but I cannot have them out all the time unless I am home. Basically I did expect some fighting but not to this extent and I am not sure how long to leave it until I perhaps remove the other chicken completely? My other thought would be to introduce another chicken, maybe a hardier one as the sussex seems more chilled out than the maran and will not defend itself! Will another chicken breaks things up a bit???

Any advice would be appreciated as I am new to this??

 

[Judy]

Welcome!

Yes, another might help break things up a bit.

The general rule on here is, let them peck it out unless someone gets bloody.

 

[schellie69]

First you need to make sure before you introduce any more chickens to your flock you quarantine the new hen for 30 days to make sure that she is well. I would just let them work things out. Things should settle down soon. This is them settling the pecking order. If the one has places to hide then that helps. I would let things be unless they start to draw blood. Good luck.

 

[Posh Chickens]

Look, I am having exactly the same thing, hang in, they are chilling a bit out now, its week 2, and they are fine, you can always get a dog cage and lock the light sussex OR the Maran, what I did, I put 2 hens on my lap holding them both. And if they peck, flick them on the head Gently! They will learn.

 

[Diamond438]

Thanks for the replies. Think I will hang in there and hope they sort things out and become best friends. I did try spraying the bully one with water when she peckes the other but as soon as I leave she starts again! And to think I felt sorry for her being on her own - ungrateful chick!!!