Gang of Five

[chixbvs]

My broody sumatra cross (Dora) went to a friend's house to mother some chicks for her in June. We just got her back and the gang of five (the ones who did not go) are endlessly picking on her. They chase her up to the roosting area and won't let her out. She was the queen before she left, beating on all the others. I guess motherhood softened her up (or wore her out !) Today I took the ringleader out and put her in a large dog crate for a couple of days. I am hoping this may shake up the pecking order long enough for Dora to find her groove again.

Any other ideas ? It's been almost a week now, and the gang does not let Dora eat or drink much.

 

[ParrotsNPullets]

I would like to find out more about this myself as I can already tell 2 of my hens are going to be going broody A LOT and I will most likely go through removing the hens and then reintroducing them and all the posts I read about pecking order issues has me a bit worried.