Death in flock created new bullies

[Mittmom]

One of our five hens died unexpectedly a week ago. As if that was not sad enough now the two largest hens are bullying our bantam, and to a lesser extent their other flockmate. I am pretty sure the one who died was the bottom of the pecking order though our flock seemed very peaceful. I have read to wait up to 2 weeks for the order to be established. I plan to wait it out unless the bullies draw blood. If that happens I will put the victim in a separate area until we figure out what to do. I put alternate feeding and watering stations so that there are options for them. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Mrs. K]

Don't pull the victim, pull the bully. Once you pull the victim is very hard to get her back in the flock.

Make sure that a bird eating at one feed station, cannot see a bird eating at another station. Pieces of plywood or even cardboard can make mini walls in a run, and allow for a hidden feed bowl.

Mrs K

 

[Mittmom]

Don't pull the victim, pull the bully. Once you pull the victim is very hard to get her back in the flock.

Make sure that a bird eating at one feed station, cannot see a bird eating at another station. Pieces of plywood or even cardboard can make mini walls in a run, and allow for a hidden feed bowl.

Mrs K

Thank you I will do that with the hidden feed. I thought about pulling the bully but there are 2 bullies. The 2 biggest are picking on the bantam.
Maybe I can separate the two big ones from the two smaller for awhile. How long do you recommend keeping them separate before trying again? Thank you.