chickens being bullied

[Keets n chicks]

We have 6 chickens and 6 guinea hens that are 13 weeks old. They are in a 64 square foot coop and an 84 square foot run. I have not started to free range the guineas yet. Over the past couple of weeks one of the guineas is bullying the chickens. When I put the food out the guinea chases all the chickens away and stands guard as the other guineas eat. He also goes after the chickens randomly. We were thinking about separating them, I have a dog cage kennel I can put him in. How long should I separate them? Do you think this will help? Any other suggestions.

 

[sourland]

Guinea fowl have complicated personalities. Once they start bullying (and it is frequently an individual bird) their antics do not improve in my experience. Mixed flocks with them tend to get along somewhat better in a free range situation.

 

[Keets n chicks]

Would you recommend separating them or removing the instigator?