Canabilistic Buff Orpingtons

[packman911]

My flock was doing fine, 9 hens and 1 roo. Then the roo attacked my chicken sitter, so he had to go. The flock seemed fine except the started picking on one hen, to the point I gave her away because I thought they were going to kill her. She would sit in the nesting box for safety. I go on a business trip and come home to find one dead, assume picked to death. Now there is another one that appears to be being picked on - taking refuge in the nesting box. They are a little over two years old and I don't want to get another roo at this point, but don't want to loose the whole flock to one bully either. Any suggestions.

Thanks - Rick

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

Give them something to keep them busy during the day, whole watermelons or lettuce heads. Throw scratch around the pen. Yes, a rooster should protect the lowest hens in the pecking order, so that may be your last resort. It sounds like a boredom issue though that could easily be solved. Maybe free range them in the yard some.

 

[Den in Penn]

Find out who the instigator is and remove her or you can try pinless peepers. Relieving boredom can help as RoostersCrow,HensDeliver said. Removing the instigator for a week or so of total isolation can reset the pecking order. When she gets back she has to find a place in the pecking order and stops bullying. Pinless peepers may work because she can't focus straight in on her target.