Bullying in the chicken pen...

[stugie333]

I have a hen that is getting bullied out of feeding and I don't know what to do. I have 5 hens and a rooster...I'll call the bullied girl Cinderella. The rooster is John Wayne. Every morning I give them all warm oatmeal and John will keep Cinderella in the coop and out of the pen so she can't get any. Even if I try to feed her separately she won't eat because they keep an eye on her. She gets to eat enough of chicken feed that she's not starving, but she is smaller than the others and I don't think she's laying like she should because of it too. My coop is limited in size and I can't free range due to predators. Any ideas how to prevent this?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Two things.
Provide multiple feed and water stations.
Remove the biggest bullies. After things improve, you can return the bullies one at a time every couple days.
Separating birds from the flock usually knocks them down in the pecking order.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

It sounds like Cinderella may have other health issues. Why not separate her from the rest of your flock then you can better tell if her failure to thrive is because of the other hens or (with plenty of food and no competition) the fault lies with Cinderella.

 

[stugie333]

It sounds like Cinderella may have other health issues. Why not separate her from the rest of your flock then you can better tell if her failure to thrive is because of the other hens or (with plenty of food and no competition) the fault lies with Cinderella.

I had not thought of that...thanks for the insight.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Or separate out that rooster and see how she does. There's always a bottom bird who is often smaller. Your rooster has decided he doesn't want her around. You may have to choose her or the rooster.

 

[junglejane]

I agree with chicken canoe. I had this problem. I have 2 roosters and 4 hens. I have had the time to monitor the situation and become the ruler of the coop. when the roosters begin to fight I let them know I do not allow it. I chase the agressor away and break it up. Verbal tones work too I make clucking sounds and say knock it off in a deep voice.
When I point to a particular hen or rooster they know i am talking to them. The picked on hen will take the food I offer her from my hand, and I will not allow the bullies to come near. the bullies are learning to leave her alone. I call her Little Bit. The rooster bullies are Big Boy and Deuce. They are 7 months old now. Smart too. Brahmas.

 

[Sassysouth]

Here is my short version: I had 3 hens bully on 1. I removed the 3 ( eventually to a friends house) and later tried to bring only 1 back and it did not work out. Trying to “change the pecking order” did not work for me. There was nothing wrong with my 1 hen. She is prefectly healthy and laying daily. The other 3 wanted her dead for unknown reasons.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Here is my short version: I had 3 hens bully on 1. I removed the 3 ( eventually to a friends house) and later tried to bring only 1 back and it did not work out. Trying to “change the pecking order” did not work for me. There was nothing wrong with my 1 hen. She is prefectly healthy and laying daily. The other 3 wanted her dead for unknown reasons.

Bummer

 

[Peter.J]

I agree, multiple feed/water locations; also wonder if there’s enough space, if she can’t get away from bullying then there may not be enough room in the coop/run. If you do have the space you could always shake things up by adding another few pullets, might take the heat off of her.
And yeah, she may be sick with something too...
But if your Rooster is able to corner/stop her from going places it kind of sounds like a space issue imo... Also seems like that rooster might need more hens to keep himself occupied.

 

[aart]

How old are these birds?
How long have you had them all?
How big in your coop and run(in feet by feet)?
Having the info above and seeing pics would help us find clues to offer a specific solution.