Fighting after peepers removal

[icy_flames]

Hi,

I have an Australorp that's had peepers on since Thanksgiving because she was attacking another hen who was molting. Today I removed peepers since my previously attacked hen is fully feathered. I do realize and expected that after removing the peepers they would start the pecking order again. Usually they squabble for about 10 seconds and then it's over with. Today my white Easter Egger was attacking my Australorp and she would not stop. Then my buff orpington would jump in and start attacking the australorp too.

I have separated the white Easter Egger in a 5 by 10 run for now. The buff orpington is still with the main flock with Australorp andshe doesn't seem to be attacking Australorp when the main flock is altogether so I think the main issue here is the white Easter Egger.

I have never dealt with a pecking order dilemma this severe so I was wondering how long do I have to keep my white Easter Egger separated? She's not too high on the pecking order either in the flock so I'm worried if I let her back in she'll either still attack Australorp or the others will attack her too. I live in an urban setting with one Coop and one run they all sleep together at night so I'm completely stumped how they can still do that without the attacking again?

 

[3KillerBs]

How many chickens do you have?

How big, in feet, is your coop and your run?

Could you show us photos of your setup?

 

[swamphiker]

@3KillerBs is asking the right questions, birds will fight more when they are crowded. You can also try removing the Australorp for several days to help reset the pecking order. This would mean putting her somewhere where she and the rest of the flock can't see each other.

 

[icy_flames]

7 hens

Run is 10 x 10 but they have a 10 x 5 extension I can close off, so technically 15x15 when all are getting along. Another 10x5 will be added in the spring so they will eventually have 20x20 space. I can't do it now because of the weather. don't have measurements for the coop but holds "12 hens". I cannot expand the coop size unfortunately. It's a prefabricated model, and was expensive.

I'm going to put peepers on the easter egger this morning and possibly the buff as well. The buff doesn't chase my Australorp crazy like the easter egger but she will jump on Australorp sometimes and pick her head.

I'm just stunned the peepers solved one problem with Australorp picking my molting hen then creating another by appearing to hard reset the pecking order on a few hens. And then the peepers can only be applied by myself and it's tough. No one in my home will help.

 

[3KillerBs]

The run measurements are generous for that number. Do you have "clutter" in it so that they have places to go to be out of sight from each other?

Do you have multiple feeders and waterers so that a bully can't guard the only source?

I don't have measurements for the coop but holds "12 hens". I cannot expand the coop size unfortunately. It's a prefabricated model, and was expensive.

Please get photos and measurements.

Prefabs are notorious for claiming to hold two or three times the number of chickens that they actually should. Additionally, the measurements given when they're sold often include the nest boxes, which should not count when determining square footage per bird.

In the absence of actual measurements, I would expect a "12 hen" prefab to be big enough for 4. *Maybe* 6 -- of docile breeds.

Should this turn out to be the case, we can probably help you alter things, because your generous run space should allow for some flexibility.

 

[icy_flames]

Yep the space is perfect for that flock size It took A LOT of bargaining to get my husband to agree on the extensions after the initial 10x10. Thankfully he agreed. They have a jungle gym sort of set up in 1st part of run my husband built. They can go behind and perch on it. Couple garden statues and a garden seat to perch.

2 feeders. 1 waterer for now. It's a heated model.

Definitely agree on the wonky measurements companies use on coops. If I ever move out of city we'll use a big tuff shed. No more pre set kits.

The coop model I have appears to be discontinued. Found these measurements online.

 

[aart]

The coop model I have appears to be discontinued. Found these measurements online.

Link to that page?

or

Go out with your tape measure and camera and post dimensions and pics.

 

[icy_flames]

Dimensions posted in previous post

 

[3KillerBs]

The coop model I have appears to be discontinued. Found these measurements online.View attachment 2954246

Rule of thumb, if it's measured in inches it's too small.

You need to go out with a tape measure and a camera to get actual dimensions. We can help if we know what you have to work with.

 

[aart]

Dimensions posted in previous post

Not real clear without seeing the coop.
Does the length and width include the actual nests?