Frustrated with flock issues

[Tracyree]

so when i ordered chicks last spring, i carefully planned how many i wanted and ordered 6 from a company that say “we ship as few as 3” at the end of april when it was warm. They sent 11. I should have rehomed the extra and am truly mad at past me. I feel like having this many is causing so much trouble.

My coop has a 16x20 enclosed run (can’t free range) and the coop itself is 6x8. I felt great about housing 6 in this space but thought 11 would work. I lost one to internal laying so have 10 now.

Problem started with my marans getting vent peck VERY badly. Had huge wound on their vents the size of my palm. Separated them and they healed. I had to put them together to heal because they got so depressed they wouldnt eat on their own.

Now that they are fully healed I’ve been trying to reintegrate them and it’s been a disaster. I have them in a small coop/run inside then main large run. They can all see eachother through the runs. Been giving treats along divider to make them enjoy being together.

Every time i let them out and put the ones i think are bullies in their tiny coop, all hell breaks loose. Not just little dominant pecks, but serious fights. Today one of the marans got nailed in the 3 seconds they were allowed out and now i have to bring her in garage to stop bleeding/heal a bit. Cant tell if the blood is from her face or comb.

I’ve had them separated and within the big coop for about 3 weeks now. I don’t know what else to do. So frustrated because i feel like the 6 chickens I’d planned on would have had more room and less issues. I cant give any away now because they are marek’s AND ALV positive. Ughhhhhh. Guess im just venting and hoping for suggestions. I’ve been keeping chickens for 20 years and never had these problems.

 

[horror_trashcan]

I'm sorry you're having these issues, that's quite a few extras to throw in. If downsizing your flock is an option it would greatly benefit the rest of them that you choose to keep, they'll just continue fighting over space.

 

[Tracyree]

I'm sorry you're having these issues, that's quite a few extras to throw in. If downsizing your flock is an option it would greatly benefit the rest of them that you choose to keep, they'll just continue fighting over space.

Thanks. I can’t rehome any because they are Mareks and Avian Leukosis virus postivie.

 

[Debbie292d]

Both your coop and run are sufficient size for them. Your coop holds 12 and your run 23. Amazing they just can't get along!

You could put some "clutter" in the run so those picked on can get away. Here's a post with clutter ideas. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

I would pull out whoever is the worst bully. Usually there's a ringleader. Then see how integration is going with that worst one out. If another takes her place, pull her out. Leave the rest together and watch. Keep the bully(s) penned away from them for at least three days, preferably a week, then put her or one back. She just dropped to the bottom of the pecking order and should not return to her bullying behavior. If you had more out, put them back one at a time on different days.

 

[Loving my girls]

Thanks. I can’t rehome any because they are Mareks and Avian Leukosis virus postivie.

I don’t think rehoming is an option in the « downsizing » idea
As far as I can tell your hen house is too small for your hens, it’s affecting their health in a negative way.
You can’t re home as they have health issues.
Unless another coop is possible I can see only one option, sorry.

 

[horror_trashcan]

Unfortunately I was suggesting cull them if that is an option, I understand if its not but if it is your last option to benefit your flock sometimes we have to take the dive.
I would absolutely try the clutter idea first however, anything to make it work out.