Bullying behavior at bedtime?

[DaMoot]

Hi all!

I was just witnessing some mean behavior from one of our girls towards her flock-mate tonight while they were getting ready for bed and I was wondering if this was normal pecking order stuff or a symptom of a bigger problem?

This is a fairly newly built coop and I think they might still be getting used to it. May need another roosting bar?

We got Red two years ago with a long time flock mate that has recently passed away, and Little Bird a few months ago as a girl of only about 4-6-odd weeks old. No comb, pale skin, no tail, the works. Little peeper. Never really seemed like the other birds wanted to put up with her inquisitive nature and desire to hand around the tall two legged roosters.

Thanks for any insights!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I didn't watch the whole video, but I didn't see anything that was too aggressive. I would switch out that roost for a 2x4 which would be more comfortable. Sand it well and put the 4 up. The big Bird seems like it's uncomfortable on that roost.

 

[Kathy Golla]

Totally agree with @oldhenlikesdogs
The black hen isn't comfortable on that stick perch. They will want to roost next to each other, the black hen is first in the roosting routine and she is not comfortable.
2x4 laid flat on its 4" side. Sanded really good, no rough edges all around.
They go through a roosting routine every night and it's taking the black hen too long to get comfortable.
Also, the light in the coop goes out at some point, right? Looks like daylight in there.

 

[PlymouthRockExpert]

YEAH DON'T SWEAT IT! THEY JUST NEED TO HAVE TIME TO AJUST AND ESTBLISH SOME WHAT OF A PEAKING ORDER

 

[Teila]

Hey there

I agree that the black hen looks like she is having trouble getting comfy and a wider roost may be better for her.

Other than that, the rest of the video could have been taken here, at bed time but with 5 x bantams

Yep, they squabble and shove and peck and push and whinge and jump up and back down again until they settle. Some of them have been together for 5 years and they still do it every night!

 

[Kathy Golla]

The height of the roost looks good.

 

[PlymouthRockExpert]

that minor pecking is nothing like what happened to my hen sparkle today. She was I think in the coop by another hens egg and ended up getting her very beautiful and large comb ripped half off her head and almost bled to death in my arms. but we got the blood to stop flowing and put her in iso for probably 3 to 5 days shes fighting through it!

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Chickens interact with each other the most at bedtime. Think of bedtime chicken aggression like a bunch of kids at bedtime arguing about who first stuck whose tongue out at who.

 

[theoldchick]

Typical night time behavior. All that bickering will resolve once it is completely dark. A few suggestions though: I would use a different type of roost. Remember chickens can't grip with their toes like a parrot does. They simply balance and use their entire body to stay in place Provide a larger roost-a 2 x 4 with flat side up works great. And you can add another roost for the nights those two absolutely decide not to share.

 

[oceansunset73]

It looks like she is just having a really hard time getting comfortable. The perch is too small for her. I also suggest using a 2x4 flat side up instead, so they can sleep flat footed. Its better for them.