Cockerels ganging up against one cockerel

[Palms79]

I apologize if this has already been asked but looking for advice on how to proceed with this situation.

We have 4 cockerels (around 12-13 weeks), all born together and have lived together. Just recently 3 of the chickens have begun going after and attacking one of the chickens. They caused him to bleed so we separated him so he could heal up. We tried to reintroduce him and all three again ruthlessly attacked him, essentially pushing him to a corner where he cannot get away.

I understand you usually want to separate the bully, leave the victim with the group, and keep all chickens within view of one another. However, because the entire group is attacking him as well, he isn't safe to be in there with them.

How do you suggest going about this, if there is any way to resolve this? Should the victim remain separated but in a space where they can still see him? Should all chickens be separated? How long for separation. Or, is this something that is unlikely to be resolved?

 

[2ndTink]

In my experience it won't likely resolve, also, if you take this one that is getting picked on out, it won't be long until they pick another one to torment. I've been able to keep some cockerels together and others I just can't. It's possible you could try having two coops, try having 2 boys in each coop?

Are you trying to keep all 4 long term or are you able to rehome some?

Also, how big of an area do they have? Any clutter in their coop and run to provide line of sight disruption?

 

[Palms79]

In my experience it won't likely resolve, also, if you take this one that is getting picked on out, it won't be long until they pick another one to torment. I've been able to keep some cockerels together and others I just can't. It's possible you could try having two coops, try having 2 boys in each coop?

Are you trying to keep all 4 long term or are you able to rehome some?

Also, how big of an area do they have? Any clutter in their coop and run to provide line of sight disruption?

Their coop is 6x8 and their run is currently being enlarged to a 30x25 run. We were hoping to keep long term but after this we may need to look to rehome if it won't get better.

We could put up plastic fencing to divide the coop and try having two in each.