Chickens attacking another

[Kuraski]

Hi all,
I am a new chicken owner; I have two black giants, two rhode island reds, a speckled sussex, and the one getting beat up is a black australorp. She appeared to be sick a week or so ago, and was getting attacked by a leghorn, who we have since removed as she turned out to be a roo, and was VERY vicious with the australorp. We have nursed the australorp back to health in a hospital box, and have since tried to reunite her back into the group (who grew up together since hatching and have always gotten along) to no avail. One of the giants, queen of the pecking order apparently, has taken to pecking and attacking her. She is still not 100%, so is weaker, but we can't stand to have her hurt again. We are keeping her separate from the flock for a few more days until we figure out what to do. Help!

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

First off... Welcome!
Make sure when you are separating her, that she has chances to see the rest of the flock and vice versa. You wouldn't believe how quickly chickens adjust when a member is gone for a few days. You might want to give her, her own separate area in the run, so she can eat and drink in peace while being reintroduced to her flock. AFter she is healthy and everyone is refamiliarized, you can remove the barrier protecting her. Good luck!

 

[Jetblack2004]

I suggest you keep the Australorp hen away from the rest of the flock until she is 100% better. There isn't much point in putting her in with the other hens when she isn't feeling great. All that will do is make her feel worse.

If one of the other hens isn't bullying her, it would be a good idea to put it with the Aussie to keep her company.

In what way are the other hens attacking her? If it's pecking or feather-plucking, then I reccomend you buy Anti-Feather Pecking spray. It's very useful and effective.
I don't suggest spraying her and hen putting her back with the others now though. I would use the spray if they are pecking her even after she's back to full health.

Good luck!
-Jet

 

[Kuraski]

I suggest you keep the Australorp hen away from the rest of the flock until she is 100% better. There isn't much point in putting her in with the other hens when she isn't feeling great. All that will do is make her feel worse.

If one of the other hens isn't bullying her, it would be a good idea to put it with the Aussie to keep her company.

In what way are the other hens attacking her? If it's pecking or feather-plucking, then I reccomend you buy Anti-Feather Pecking spray. It's very useful and effective.
I don't suggest spraying her and hen putting her back with the others now though. I would use the spray if they are pecking her even after she's back to full health.

Good luck!
-Jet

Thank you! It appears to be pecking at the neck area and pulling out feathers. Poor girl is hurting, I can tell. We are keeping her separate, and making a separate area in the run (which is quite large) for her as well.

 

[Kuraski]

First off... Welcome!
Make sure when you are separating her, that she has chances to see the rest of the flock and vice versa. You wouldn't believe how quickly chickens adjust when a member is gone for a few days. You might want to give her, her own separate area in the run, so she can eat and drink in peace while being reintroduced to her flock. AFter she is healthy and everyone is refamiliarized, you can remove the barrier protecting her. Good luck!

Thank you! I will try this!

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Thank you! I will try this!

Let me know how it goes! I have an article on my page about integrating chickens. Since yours are already somewhat familiar, skip to the last section. Good luck!

 

[Kuraski]

First off... Welcome!
Make sure when you are separating her, that she has chances to see the rest of the flock and vice versa. You wouldn't believe how quickly chickens adjust when a member is gone for a few days. You might want to give her, her own separate area in the run, so she can eat and drink in peace while being reintroduced to her flock. AFter she is healthy and everyone is refamiliarized, you can remove the barrier protecting her. Good luck!

Thanks! My husband suggested this as well, but I wanted to hear from the experts ;o)

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Thanks! My husband suggested this as well, but I wanted to hear from the experts ;o)

Haha! Well, I wouldn't say, experts, just some people who have OCD (obsessive chicken disorder)!

 

[Kuraski]

Lol! I suppose that would include me now!

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Lol! I suppose that would include me now!

Welcome to the club!!! (I have a shirt that says OCD- Obsessive Chicken Disorder. Everyone needs one! Lol!)