I have seven Golden Comets in a run 24ft by 10 ft with coop in the middle. No problem with room. A few days ago I have one of the hens, which I believe is the lowest in the pecking order, walking around the run and then starts to quietly chirp. Several of the other chickens start chasing her and pecking at her. It is not a predator alert. Not sure why she is doing this. She seems not to be sick. Also, they all are just barely over a year old. All laying well. She eats, drinks, grooms, lays, etc. Just walks around and starts a quiet chirping sound and then gets pecked on or chased. Anyone know what's happening? Will it get worse?
Chicken being bullied
- Thread starter Samroo
- Start date
Wish there'd been an update sooner. So we could've recommended a broody breaker, then she'd be done by now and peace would be returned to the flock.
For future reference:
Broody jail: Put her in an isolation cage with some food and water, in sight of the others (in the coop if it's not too hot or in/near the run is ideal). A wire cage elevated to air flow under her would be the best option, however I've used everything from a brooder to a dog exercise pen.
Keep her in the cage around the clock for about 2 days. At that time, if she's shows fewer signs of broodiness (puffing up, flattening down and growling, tik tik tik noise) you can let her out to test her. If she runs back to the nest at any point (usually they don't do it immediately, but maybe after 15 minutes, maybe an hour) then she's not yet sufficiently broken and needs to go back to the cage for another 24 hours. Then let her out and test her again. Repeat until she's no longer going to the nest box.
IF the isolation cage is not safe for overnight stay (i.e. sits outside the run, run not predator proof) then put her on the roost at night, and retrieve her from the nest box the next morning and put her back in the cage. It may take a little longer this way but better than letting a predator get to her.
They don't need to be out of sight, tho it can help, but at least being able to get a good 6' away usually shows enough subordination for the dominant bird to be satisfied.
Is your run just one, big, open rectangle so that all the chickens can see each other all the time?
If so, you probably want to add clutter to break up the line of sight and give chickens the ability to hide from each other (which is one of the ways a subordinate bird shows proper respect for a dominant bird).
Read this thread for ideas: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/#post-21588571
If so, you probably want to add clutter to break up the line of sight and give chickens the ability to hide from each other (which is one of the ways a subordinate bird shows proper respect for a dominant bird).
Read this thread for ideas: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/#post-21588571
- Thread starter
- #6
The run is a rectangle shape but the coop sits right in the middle so that creates a break. We have two different places in each corner of the run for them to jump up on to roost at night time and she will jump up on that to escape the chasing but when she jumps off to go eat or drink it goes right back to her immediately doing that clucking chirping sound and that alerts the ones that aggravate her and they begin the chasing again. Thanks for the link to read. Adding something to give her a place to hide is something I will try! She has the coop she can run into but none of the chickens ever go inside except to lay eggs.
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One of my lower ranked birds is simply talkative, for lack of better word, and when she's been going on and on for too long, the others will chase her around a bit to shut her up. Wonder if it's similar to what you're seeing.
That would be great.
Vids need to be uploaded to youtube or similar platform, then past a link here.
Wondering if she's going broody and is making the broody ticking time bomb sound.
- Thread starter
- #17
lulu1642
Chirping
I didn't know that about hiding showing respect......I am adding some new hens to my tiny flock and whilst they have spent time in the same area I have a couple being quite mean. Plenty of hiding places and lots of space though.....thanks
Reliablesquirrel
Songster
I would say if she is the lowest in the pecking order it’s probably the other hens showing their dominance. Maybe just keep an eye on it and if they re not hurting she’s probably ok
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