Help I've got a bully!

[rubycal]

I have 3 hens and 3 pullets about 14 weeks. They are out in the yard together during the day and have been getting closer together, and in separate coops at night. The runs for the coops touch so they are aware of each other. Yesterday when they were outside, one of the pullets got stuck in a spot (I think when a hen chased her). I heard a commotion and went out and the hen was going crazy on the poor girl, and left her with a bleeding head. She's okay, and has been eating and drinking and is acting fine. I'm keeping the groups completely separated for now, but wonder where to go from here. I was hoping they could all be together for the winter for the heating but will I ever be able to put them all together? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

I have 3 hens and 3 pullets about 14 weeks. They are out in the yard together during the day and have been getting closer together, and in separate coops at night. The runs for the coops touch so they are aware of each other. Yesterday when they were outside, one of the pullets got stuck in a spot (I think when a hen chased her). I heard a commotion and went out and the hen was going crazy on the poor girl, and left her with a bleeding head. She's okay, and has been eating and drinking and is acting fine. I'm keeping the groups completely separated for now, but wonder where to go from here. I was hoping they could all be together for the winter for the heating but will I ever be able to put them all together? Any advice is appreciated.

First, isolate the injured one until wounds heal, or she will get pecked even more. Wait a couple of more weeks until they are 16-17 weeks old and then reintroduce the the two flocks giving the option of which coop they want to go to until they have established a pecking order. By 18-19 weeks of age they should have that sorted and be ok in one coop.

 

[rubycal]

I see another hen with pecked at feathers and the other one with what I believe to be a punctured eye. Should I separate the 'bully'. I believe her protest is over the pullets, as she quit laying shortly after they arrived. I thought she was mothering at first, but now I think that's wrong.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

When I have problems combining two flocks, I'll often put pinless peepers on all the birds that are currently in the place they're all going to live. That stops the established girls from causing too much damage while the newbies figure out their places in the pecking order. After a month or so when everyone seems to be getting along, I take the peepers off. No muss, no fuss.

You can get them many places, but here's one: http://www.randallburkey.com/Pin-Less-Peepers-100-Pkg/productinfo/10097/

Also, your idea of separating the bully is a good one. Reintroduce her after the new chickens are settled, and then she'll be less likely to fuss with them.