Chicken Bullying Victim

[Georgeschicks]

I think your chickens are telling you it's a bit tight. Is it just a straight run? Putting stuff in it so birds can get up on, under or behind can give birds places to get away and hide. I've seen things as simple as pallets leaned against the wall, or a short wall to block line of sight.

Do you routinely take just a few out to go in the tractor? That could be causing problems as top birds will sometimes punish a returning lower member. So maybe take all or just the top birds out and leave the meek behind.

I always recommend a higher protein ration to avoid deficiencies. I wouldn't go higher than 18% if your birds aren't getting a lot of exercise as sometimes too much protein can be a problem too, so I like an 18%ration.

Do you have a brand that you like to use? Or do you know any good recomendations? If I'm not able to find one that works for me, can I supplement with something else that is high in protein?
Thank you again for all your help.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Do you have a brand that you like to use? Or do you know any good recomendations? If I'm not able to find one that works for me, can I supplement with something else that is high in protein?
Thank you again for all your help.

I use a brand only found in the Midwest called Sprout. I feed an All Flock ration. I believe Purina sells a flock raiser that is 20%. You could feed some scratch 2 times a day to cut the protein a bit and give them something to scratch and look for.

You can also feed a non medicated starter grower. A layer isn't necessary. I haven't fed one for a few years now. Always keep a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs.

 

[sadiefaith]

View attachment 1490915 View attachment 1490916 View attachment 1490917 View attachment 1490919 View attachment 1490920 View attachment 1490921 View attachment 1490922 View attachment 1490923 View attachment 1490924 Hello!
I have a a chicken bullying issue for a while now, and I was hoping that the pecking order would get sorted out so I left it alone for a while. My chicken is an 8 month old austrolorp (I think) and she is the smallest in her flock. She has a sister who she grew up with who is also 8 months old and an austrolorp but she I quite bigger and has not experienced bullying. The other four chickens in my flock are a year old and they are EEs a Delaware and a black copper maran. The Delaware is the biggest and she and the EEs continually peck and pull out the feathers of Maude (the victim). I have tried isolating the meanest bully and I am now isolating Maude after reading a featured article about isolating he victim. Maude’s sister is also in the pen with her as I have noticed a few missing feathers on her as well. How can I stop this behavior, and how can I help Maude’s “wounds” heal. There has not been any blood and she has been getting food and water, but her whole head is bald and her back had a few bald patches. I have pictures below. Please help!!
Thanks in advance.

just read your thread and other comments; we, too, are having the exact issue with an injured hen and returning her to the flock is not working. we are keeping her segregated but still in sight of her sisters and in a dog crate within the coop at night. unfortunately, I feel as if i am at a loss. the next step for us will be to remove the bullies for a bit and see if this can help; we are following all the tips from this great on line community but we really have a problem. i feel that the injury to our hen's leg is only making her a bigger target. please let us know if you have had any success since posting this thread.

 

[Georgeschicks]

just read your thread and other comments; we, too, are having the exact issue with an injured hen and returning her to the flock is not working. we are keeping her segregated but still in sight of her sisters and in a dog crate within the coop at night. unfortunately, I feel as if i am at a loss. the next step for us will be to remove the bullies for a bit and see if this can help; we are following all the tips from this great on line community but we really have a problem. i feel that the injury to our hen's leg is only making her a bigger target. please let us know if you have had any success since posting this thread.

We separated the bullied chicken from the others for a week and a half and then we put them back together. They seem great now and her feathers are starting to grow back.