Bullying behavior/pecking order

[NoCal chick]

Hello,
I have a flock of 8 chickens: 3 Buff Orpingtons, 2 Barred rock were the first to arrive. I added 3 Blue Australorps last fall. The 3 Blues are the victims
Of bullying by the Buffs, mostly. Like, they pin them down and peck. Some are missing head feathers.
The Blues have their own coop and the outdoor run is 17x30 feet. I have multiple feeders and waterer. I’ve stopped giving the occasional handful of scratch as that seems to really bring on pecking.
I’m at the point of thinking about re-homing my Buffs. I hatched them out myself and they are lap chickens. Not sure what else I can do.
Heather

 

[Tonyroo]

Your idea of rehoming/selling is a good idea for your buffs. It's hard to make them stop bullying unless you can separate them entirely.
I had a somewhat similar experience with my incubated chicks, I had them indoors for 2 1/2 months then tried to integrate with there parents, they were constantly harassed by there parents, pecking and chasing them. So I had to separate them but later sold them. It was to much effort to keep them safe.

 

[NoCal chick]

Thanks. I may see if I can figure out a way to keep separate. This issue comes up with access to nesting boxes- everyone has a favorite even if not her coop!
I love those jerks! I wish I wasn’t even considering re-homing but that may be something I need to think about.
Thanks again

 

[rosemarythyme]

Any photos of your set up?

 

[RooStar Chicken Gang]

Australorps seem to normally end up on the bottom of pecking orders..