I originally started with six chickens, lost two to our dog, one to illness and one to bullying. I waited a few months then introduced two more chickens to the two I had left ( one a bully, one docile). The two new were as large as original but I noticed after awhile that one sided with the bully and began pecking on its partner that arrived with her. I have now divided the run and coops with two bullies on one side and the docile and new one on other. The new chicken, a Red, is acting strange. She won't eat, does not have good balance and just acts strange. The docile Buff is still laying and seems fine, but should I put her back with others and just leave the red by itself. The Buff bad the bullies get along fine and they all lay daily.
Quote:Welcome to BYC! I would suggest removing the bully and putting the other 3 together, and then re-introducing the bully later. This will change up the pecking order in the group. Regarding the chicken that is not acting right, I would post in the Emergencies section with pictures, when it started, and a description of the behavior: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures good luck to you.
Hi there, and welcome to BYC! I agree with Liz here, you need to separate out the bully for a while. It may take a few weeks of isolation, in hopes to change the pecking order while the bully is absent. If this does not solve the aggression in the bully, you might try pinless peepers on the bird, send it to the stew pot or rehome the bird. Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!
Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us! I would isolate the bully for a while, and then re-introduce her. In most cases, the bullying bird will not be dominant any more after the re-introduction, and you may not have many problems with her anymore.
Thank you for your advice. I separated them out 3 to 1 and found I had a second bully. I now have them 2and 2. Hopefully that will work. Thanks again.
