Chickens attacking hen

[Chicken Lass]

My hen Rosin was sick for a while, and I had her away from the others for over two weeks while I gave her antibiotics and wormed everyone. Now she is doing better, but the others (6 others) are trying to jump on her and corner her. They are merciless. So I only let her out with them when I am supervising them. She still seems a bit weak, because she can't seem to make it up on a roost - has trouble jumping up. She goes and hides behind the feed cans in their house when they start trying to get her. Since she is the only one, I'm worried that they will kill her by cornering her. After reading another post, I will try putting her in a cage where they can see her well - although for the most part she has already been in sight in a cat crate when not up in a higher pen (where it is harder for them to see her). Maybe if she is constantly in sight they will get used to her. Thanks if anyone has suggestions.

 

[jennh]

If they see any sign of weakness, they will try to kill her. I was visiting my Mom last Oct and came home to find the other chickens had killed Lulu, my NH red. She had feathers missing on her butt, and I guess they saw that as a sign of weakness. It didn't help that I was gone for 10 days, and they didn't get out to free range while I was gone. My DH just made sure they had food and water

Jen

 

[sourland]

Do not leave her with the others unsupervised until she is completely better and this behavior has stopped. There is potential there that they will kill her or at the least seriously injure her. Once she is better, introduce her to a couple of the less dominant hens and gradually work up the pecking order.

 

[Chicken Lass]

Thanks sourland and jennh, I'm hoping she gets better. Right now even the lowest ranking hen wants to get her - and Rosin runs away from her. I'm sorry to hear about Lulu, jennh. Thanks