Feather Picking and Bullying - will it never end?

[Dawnclucks22]

Ello BYC'ers.
I got an EE awhile back, and she's the sweetest thing ever. She'll perch on your shoulder, cuddle, whatever, and I love her to bits! However, I have one jerk of a dominant hen who is aggressive to me (although she has improved from the start). When I integrated my EE in she pecked her occasionally (which of course is normal) but it's been almost a year now and she's still getting bullied. I went to pet her today and she only has down feathers left.
They have plenty of protein and treats in their diet and are on lay mash and oyster shell free choice. I know this is more an issue regarding the top hen (a RIR, about 3 1/2 years) than my EE. I have heard of "chicken jail" but I don't have enough space to do it. Help!

 

[lazy gardener]

How many birds, what are the exact dimensions of your coop? This is not an acceptable situation. If you can't stop the aggression, I'd remove the aggressor. If layer is their main source of feed, but they are getting "treats" they may be protein deficient. Try adding animal protein to their diet, eliminating all other treats, or increasing them to 18 - 20% protein.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

How many birds, what are the exact dimensions of your coop? This is not an acceptable situation. If you can't stop the aggression, I'd remove the aggressor. If layer is their main source of feed, but they are getting "treats" they may be protein deficient. Try adding animal protein to their diet, eliminating all other treats, or increasing them to 18 - 20% protein.

I have four birds with a possibility of a fifth soon (of course, it will be a bit of a less docile breed so that she can cope). They sleep in a modified child's playhouse, so the roosts, unfortunately, are close together. During the day they have the whole backyard to themselves.
I might remove her temporarily but she is my pet and although she hates me with a passion I still love her. I'm a softie, and I understand your suggestion completely.
They were on 18% protein crumbles for awhile, but the feed store grabbed the wrong bag when we went to replenish. I will fix them a protein-booster snack tomorrow for sure!

 

[sourland]

If all else fails, affixing Pin Less Peepers on the aggressive bird may help.

 

[lazy gardener]

Overcrowding is a likely possibility. Adding an other bird to an already overcrowded situation will only make matters worse.

 

[Folly's place]

This sounds crowded to me too. Hatchery RIRs (the orange ones) tend to be aggressive feather pecking bullies, and I won't have them. Maybe the pinless peepers on the aggressor will be your best solution, if you can't bear to move her elsewhere.
Don't add any more birds to this situation!
Mary