Chicken getting picked on, advice needed please!

[Emmasmom]

Until recently my six laying hens have got along great. One hen started to feel under-the-weather and a couple of our chickens started picking on her. I was able to help her perk up with electrolytes/vitamins and she seems to be better, but she is scared of the two hens that have been picking on her. I'd separate the two bullies but I have two 14 week or so pullets in my separate space. They are let out together during the day and generally ignore each other - except when the bullies chase the hen and the young ones. My dilemma is whether I should go ahead and try to combine the younger ones with the other chickens and put the bullies in isolation, or should I put the picked on chicken with the young ones provided she doesn't pick on them? Or, will I stress them more by changing things, as they all roost together, and the physical damage is not severe - only that she runs when they walk toward her? I would be grateful for any advice, thanks!

 

[A Chicken Owner]

You need to isolate the bullied chicken ASAP. Chickens can sense if a member of their flock is a bit sick. If they sense a sick hen they will go ahead and eventually kill the sick hen so the flock isn't weakened by her.