Bullying

[3JT]

I have 3 hens and one of them gets picked on by the other 2. She keeps mostly to herself. I don’t notice the others picking her feathers or chasing her away from food or water but she is hesitant to take treats until the other 2 have gotten theirs. The biggest issue I notice is that the others will not allow her to roost with them. If she jumps onto their roost bar they will peck at her until she leaves. I don’t want to remove the other roost bar for fear that she will be forced to sleep on the coop floor. We did go out to move her to the other roost several nights once they were all sleeping which worked for those particular nights but it has not changed their behaviors. I am worried that this hen will be cold in the winter, although the coop is insulated, and I also worry that she will become depressed. I do plan to get more chickens in spring but feel bad for her until then. She is the same age as the others, around 6 months, but hasn’t started laying yet while the other 2 are laying, though she is showing signs of starting soon. Any thoughts?

 

[rosemarythyme]

They don't really need to huddle for warmth, their own feathers and down provide plenty of warmth. Having a 2nd roost bar is optimal so she has some place to sleep away from the harassment of the others.

She may become more accepted once she begins laying, however remain the bottom of the pecking order. As long as she's not being injured and completely prevented from eating/drinking, I would not interfere.

If you do add more chicks in the spring, she may end up being the biggest bully towards the babies, so don't be surprised if that happens.

 

[3JT]

Thank you for the feedback. Do you think she could become depressed from being pushed away from the others? And if so is there anything I can do to help?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thank you for the feedback. Do you think she could become depressed from being pushed away from the others? And if so is there anything I can do to help?

Not really. Even being in the bottom of the pecking order means she's still part of their social order.

 

[aart]

I am worried that this hen will be cold in the winter, although the coop is insulated,

I hope it also has good ventilation, which way more important than 'holding heat'.

Welcome to BYC! @3JT
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[3JT]

I hope it also has good ventilation, which way more important than 'holding heat'.

Welcome to BYC! @3JT
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2377426

Thank you; I updated it. I am in SE WI. As for ventilation I believe we have enough but will be able to add more if needed. I will keep a close eye on things this winter. This is our first year. We had planned on having 6 hens but unfortunately 3 passed away from coccidiosis while they were on a farm and we were building our coop (a whole separate story). I have treated the 3 left and they seem to be doing well so far. Wish us luck!