Feathers flying

[Ajoy1955]

As the new pecking order starts with introducing new pullets.. is it to be expected that feathers may get pecked out? One of my 17 week old pullets got out briefly and my bottom of the original pecking order hen charged her and plucked out some feathers …I am too old for this kind of violent drama ..they have all been sharing a common fence line for five weeks now.. plan on opening the gate this weekend! My existing flock are Silver laced Wyandottes, I feel like they are prone to be more aggressive?

 

[sourland]

As long as blood is not being drawn and birds have ready access to feed and water, let them work things out. Chicken society can be a lot like 'mean girls in high school'.

 

[LTAY1946]

Hello and Welcome to BYC! Glad that you joined our community.
Yes, they will work it out in time. Give them places to hide to avoid a fight from bullies. It's all in a day's happenings at the coops. Hopefully you have a large run for them to be able to move out of the big girls way.

 

[Theorrin]

Welcome to the flock! My thinking has always been no blood is a win. Few feathers lost is quite alright

 

[Jenbirdee]

Hi and welcome! My “ bottom of order” duck did the same when I added new birds. They think, “now’s my chance!” And they give it their best shot ….
I would just watch for blood like @sourland said and let them do their thing . The little fights make entertaining videos…if you’re so inclined!

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Flock! And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska.

 

[Ajoy1955]

As long as blood is not being drawn and birds have ready access to feed and water, let them work things out. Chicken society can be a lot like 'mean girls in high school'.

It is so difficult to watch..

Hello and Welcome to BYC! Glad that you joined our community.
Yes, they will work it out in time. Give them places to hide to avoid a fight from bullies. It's all in a day's happenings at the coops. Hopefully you have a large run for them to be able to move out of the big girls way.

 

[Ajoy1955]

@LTAY1946 my chicken run is 14x40 with all kinds of shrubs and various other enrichment obstacles.. plus there are two chicken coops in the run, so I hope that gives plenty of “get away” spots

 

[Ajoy1955]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Flock! And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska.

Thank you from East Tennessee

 

[LTAY1946]

@Ajoy1955

We just left East TN a couple of years ago for a warmer climate for the sake of our arthritis. We really found some heat in the summer. We do love TN and all the beautiful state parks there.