Bullying?

[abenardini]

I've heard separating the bullies is better than the picked-on bird. Is it possible to pinpoint the main instigator, remove that bird for a while, and the reintroduce the meanie? That way, the mean bird will be pegged down on the pecking order. Maybe keep the bird separated for about a week or so, then replace?

 

[aart]

I've heard separating the bullies is better than the picked-on bird. Is it possible to pinpoint the main instigator, remove that bird for a while, and the reintroduce the meanie? That way, the mean bird will be pegged down on the pecking order. Maybe keep the bird separated for about a week or so, then replace?

That's true...but it sounds like there is more than one bully.

I've also read that giving the bullied some time to recoup works pretty well too....but reintegration has to be finessed.

Chicken Juggling!

 

[lazy gardener]

You might think about partitioning off an area in the coop for the harassed bird, let her get a break for a few days, then adding one of the 'not-mean' other birds.
If they get along for a few days, add another 'not-mean' bird. Rinse and repeat. Once you have two stable groups add them all back together.
This can give the beaten bird time to recover and bond with a few other birds...can change the pecking order.
Just an idea.



That's a ton of room for a dozen birds.

I agree with aart's assessment. If this doesn't work, I'd consider re-homing her. The difficulty there, is that she'll once again be introduced to a situation where she'll have to fight her way into a pecking order.

 

[JanetMarie]

I see, you already have a lot of room. Could you separate each one of the bullies, then re-introduce that one, separate another one the next week and so on? Rehabilitating the entire flock? A lot of work maybe, but not fair to the bullied one the way it is now.

 

[abenardini]

That's kind of what I was thinking too. Also, I've noticed (only with my flock of course,) there is usually an instigator that gets things going. Then when the other potentially bullies see what is going on, they immediately start in to egg on the meanie.

 

[jbrn03]

Thank you all for all the input. I'm going to try and figure out and see if there is one instigator and isolate her for a little bit then try and re introduce. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again!!