domestic chicken violence

[chicktopia]

Got a problem with the chickens (we have 15) just beating the heck out of one of the others. I thought it was a phase, but it has gone on for two weeks plus. I know they usually pick on those that are sick but this one appears to be fine. In fact it's one of the bigger ones of the bunch and a pretty good looking bird as far as chickens go. The "beaten" chicken now just hides in one of the laying boxes. I take it out in the morning they peck it for a while and cackle while doing it like they are enjoying it , the "beaten" chicken plays dead and when the rest go about their business the "beaten" goes back in the coop. I am afraid that they are going to finish the deal one of these days and we'll be down to 14 chickens. Any suggestions?

 

[a2ms4chickens]

I would put the chicken in a kennel or cage, but keep it with the other chickens until they stop trying to peck him/her. May take a week or two.
Then one night, put it on the roost with the others, and hopefully in the morning they won't pay it no mind.

I had one BO that the chickens wouldn't allow to eat, and she got weak. I put her in one of our pens for a week or two and then put her on the roost one night. Haven't had any trouble since.

I think they have short term memories and forgot they were supposed to be mean to her. After she rejoined them, they accepted her as one of the girls. They can be such snobs, LOL.

Hope it works for you!!

Angie

 

[horsejody]

Can you keep it separate for a few days with maybe one other hen to keep it company? Chickens don't normally "play dead." Perhaps it has something wrong with it that you're not aware of that the other birds sense. If it was separate for a while and allowed to recover, it might be able to live peacefully with the others later on. Are they crowded?

 

[AmyRey]

Omigosh! Those hateful witches!

 

[LilbitChicken]

HUM.....how terrible.

I would definitely give her time alone, to perk up a bit, then add a buddy.....then see how it goes......

 

[Jameberlin]

Quote:
those were my thoughts, too.

 

[chicktopia]

Thanks for the replies! The outcast is now in isolation. Dog porter. Thanks again.

 

[kcfuerst]

How much space do your chickens have to play in? Sometimes they pick on each other when they are crowded or bored.