We just bought a new home and the previous owners (he was a breeder, if that's what you can call it...more of a puppy mill for chickens) left me 5 hens. First time I have ever owned yick yacks. Once they left the property and we really took a look at the girls we realized how abused they were. 2-3 hens left in a 4ft round "pen" that fit inside of a small blue pool with a rooster. The girls were missing most of their back and neck feathers, with even their combs being pecked gone. We cleaned, cleaned and cleaned more and set up them up like queens. Moved them from the coop (a small stall in the barn) to the outside coop (a 8x10 shed with a 12 x 8 outside run). 3 days later I found one of the girls just about pecked to death. She was a bloody mess. I took her out and put her back into the barn coop. I was too afraid that they would kill her to keep her in with them. It's been almost 2 weeks now and she is better. Eating again and although she hasn't layed since she was mauled she roosts a lot. Pretty sure she will be ok at this point. So I got home from work today and went out to see the girls and low and behold another was huddled in the corner all bloody!!! She tried to go outside and all three of the other girls immediately went after her. So I have quarantined her to one side of the outside coop for now. I'm thinking of letting them free range hoping that the extra space will help the aggression. We have 6 acres of rural area, no close neighbors but predators are a concern since I'm not home all day, one being my cat. What are your thoughts on this? I can't keep separating them and I want to make sure they all get equal outside time and if they keep getting mauled that won't happen. Please help this new chicken Mom before she gives up and gives them away to new homes. Thanks!! :/