Flock won't allow hen to eat

[ValerieJ]

I like the idea of the private breakfast and dinner. I think you are doing a great job trying to save this girl. How old are your hens? Do you have plenty of obstacles in the run? What if you tried putting some food dishes behind obstacles so they don't see her go back there right away? Meantime, I'm glad she has you to care for her and make sure she eats.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

I'm trying to understand a couple things.
You call their feed breakfast. Don't you have feed available all waking hours?
And why do you mix oyster shell with feed? It should be free choice and they shouldn't have to consume it in order to eat food.

8

I do not leave feed out overnight (brooded chicks being an exception) as we've had rodent issues before. So the chickens have to wait until I'm up to get fed. I offer fermented feed in bowls for breakfast and free feed dry pellets the remainder of the day.

I do not mix oyster shell with feed for the flock, however I have a specific layer with thin eggshells that does not want to eat oyster shell, so twice a week a mix in a little into her breakfast, and that has fixed her eggshell issues.[/QUOTE
You’re a good momma

 

[Michplum]

Do you have any sort of containment area you can use? Example, I have a brooder that sits in the run as well as a small covered dog exercise pen. You can use those types of things as safe areas to let her eat in peace. She doesn't have to stay in there all day but usually they like to load up on grub in the morning and then again in afternoon/evening, so those would be appropriate times to put her in a safe area.

I tried putting her in with them after she ate this morning, but they all went for her immediately. I watched them for about 15 minutes to see if they would settle down, but they were all going for her even when she wasn't near food so I had to take her out. She is eating well and acting normal, so I just don't get why they've turned on her. I'm going to try a slow reintroduction after her feathers come in and hope for the best.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I tried putting her in with them after she ate this morning, but they all went for her immediately. I watched them for about 15 minutes to see if they would settle down, but they were all going for her even when she wasn't near food so I had to take her out. She is eating well and acting normal, so I just don't get why they've turned on her. I'm going to try a slow reintroduction after her feathers come in and hope for the best.

Sorry it didn't work out - maybe my flock is used to seeing random chickens getting private time as they seem completely unbothered by it. I just find it unusual that a molt would trigger such a strong reaction.

Since it sounds like you're planning an extended separation, not sure if your set up allows for it, but if possible she should stay in view of the rest of the flock during that period so hopefully reintegration goes smoother. This article is an interesting read: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

 

[EggWalrus]

Feed them on the ground and spread it out. Make them work for their keep. If you throw the pellets out all over the run, the rest will be too busy trying to eat to worry about her. She will get her share, and those other lazy, greedy hogs will be working to their share and leave her alone.
Are these Meaties (CX)? Nothing worse than letting them overfeed till they fight each other while crawling on their wings from feeder to waterer.

 

[Michplum]

Feed them on the ground and spread it out. Make them work for their keep. If you throw the pellets out all over the run, the rest will be too busy trying to eat to worry about her. She will get her share, and those other lazy, greedy hogs will be working to their share and leave her alone.
Are these Meaties (CX)? Nothing worse than letting them overfeed till they fight each other while crawling on their wings from feeder to waterer.

They are layers (and beloved pets). We don't feed directly off the ground because I've been warned that it increases the chance of them contracting parasites and such.
But unfortunately now they are just attacking her no matter what she does. It had been only when she ate, but now it seems that just her presence is causing them to attack. Yet, at night they pay her no mind at all and allow her to roost right in the middle of the flock. It is very strange behavior and I am at a loss.

 

[Michplum]

Sorry it didn't work out - maybe my flock is used to seeing random chickens getting private time as they seem completely unbothered by it. I just find it unusual that a molt would trigger such a strong reaction.

Since it sounds like you're planning an extended separation, not sure if your set up allows for it, but if possible she should stay in view of the rest of the flock during that period so hopefully reintegration goes smoother. This article is an interesting read: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

With a few minor adjustments they will be able to see her and be only about 5 feet from her run. I had originally blocked the view between the large run and her smaller run with a few boards because she was upset being able go see them and not get to them, and was frantically trying to bust through the wire. Now that she has settled in there and is used to the small run I'll try removing the boards to see if it helps. Thanks.

 

[EggWalrus]

They are layers (and beloved pets). We don't feed directly off the ground because I've been warned that it increases the chance of them contracting parasites and such.
But unfortunately now they are just attacking her no matter what she does. It had been only when she ate, but now it seems that just her presence is causing them to attack. Yet, at night they pay her no mind at all and allow her to roost right in the middle of the flock. It is very strange behavior and I am at a loss.

Even if you feed them with a feeder, they eat dirt for grit. And they will eat each others poo.
It's just what chickens do.
You cant stop them unless you have them caged in a sterile environment.
They also spill feed on to the ground and eat it. Ground feeding shouldn't hurt them, it teaches them to forage. Scratch is a tool used get birds to scratch around on the ground and teaches them foraging skills. I know lots of people misuse Scratch, it shouldn't be used as a treat either.

 

[aart]

With a few minor adjustments they will be able to see her and be only about 5 feet from her run. I had originally blocked the view between the large run and her smaller run with a few boards because she was upset being able go see them and not get to them, and was frantically trying to bust through the wire. Now that she has settled in there and is used to the small run I'll try removing the boards to see if it helps. Thanks.

Maybe put another of the birds in there with her?
Keep trying different ones until one clicks.

 

[sciencegrrrrl]

Are any of the others starting to molt? I've got 2 Polish gals that are the best of friends until the molt starts, then they fight each other and anyone else that happens to be close by! I have a hospital pen that fits inside my run when I need to isolate someone for a bit- make sure they can still see her but not get at her.