Bullying problem

[FeatherToes0328]

I have 3 hens that are 6 months old. 2 laying, 1 not. The one that has not started laying (Lizzo) is bullying the hen that was at first smaller than the other 2 (Little). Pushing her away from treats, water or pecking at her. Now if I give any attention to Little or FeatherToe, Lizzo immediately starts pecking at both of them. When I try to give Lizzo pets, she tries to rip my skin off with her beak! One evening this week I had to separate Lizzo from the other 2 for the night because she was trying to push them off the perch they all normally sleep on together. Little tries to hang back from the other 2 when I go to feed them, give treats or just talk to them, just to avoid getting pushed around by Lizzo. They are out in the yard foraging for most of the day. Do I separate Lizzo from the other 2 for a few days?

 

[Debbie292d]

Yep, that's what we'd do. Sometimes a week away resets the pecking order or makes them forget they were mean. I'd like to think it teaches them something but doubt it.

I think a few days or a week away from the others will set her straight.