- Aug 7, 2013
- 7
- 0
- 7
We got a new batch of 9 pullets two weeks ago, they're about 3.5 weeks old now.
2 BR's, 2 RIR's, 2 "Amerecaunas", and 3 Polish top hats that are a week younger.
Yesterday I came in to find a bit more of a ruckus than usual in the brooder room, and to my dismay I found two of the younger Polish hens had had several brand new wing and tail feathers snatched out and slightly bloody. It didn't take prolonged observation to identify the culprit as the (slightly) largest Amerecauna. I removed and separated all three Polish girls, dressed them up and they seem to be fine. I won't put them back until they're a little closer in size.
Since then ( and maybe before to some degree, I've really become aware of it now), the same Amerecauna has been INCESSANTLY bullying everyone else. She literally just walks over to the nearest roommate and gives a stout peck or grab on their shoulders or fuzzy butts. The poor little ladies do their best to jump out of her way when they see her coming, and a few are spending an inordinate amount of time hiding out in corners.
I expect this sort of thing to some degree, it's our 3rd round of youngins. But it's such a constant I'm concerned she's stressing everyone out, at a minimum, or worse she'll draw blood again when I'm away and everyone else will pile on at the sight of red.
Do I need to construct yet a third brooder and set of feeders / waterers for a few days' time out? If I had a hen this bad in my established flock that's what I would be trying at this point in an attempt to reset the order.
Thanks for any help!
-A
2 BR's, 2 RIR's, 2 "Amerecaunas", and 3 Polish top hats that are a week younger.
Yesterday I came in to find a bit more of a ruckus than usual in the brooder room, and to my dismay I found two of the younger Polish hens had had several brand new wing and tail feathers snatched out and slightly bloody. It didn't take prolonged observation to identify the culprit as the (slightly) largest Amerecauna. I removed and separated all three Polish girls, dressed them up and they seem to be fine. I won't put them back until they're a little closer in size.
Since then ( and maybe before to some degree, I've really become aware of it now), the same Amerecauna has been INCESSANTLY bullying everyone else. She literally just walks over to the nearest roommate and gives a stout peck or grab on their shoulders or fuzzy butts. The poor little ladies do their best to jump out of her way when they see her coming, and a few are spending an inordinate amount of time hiding out in corners.
I expect this sort of thing to some degree, it's our 3rd round of youngins. But it's such a constant I'm concerned she's stressing everyone out, at a minimum, or worse she'll draw blood again when I'm away and everyone else will pile on at the sight of red.
Do I need to construct yet a third brooder and set of feeders / waterers for a few days' time out? If I had a hen this bad in my established flock that's what I would be trying at this point in an attempt to reset the order.
Thanks for any help!
-A
