Help me, my new silkie is being picked on by older hen.

[Bethnoel]

Does anyone have any suggestions. We have two 2year old black sex link hens. We have added two 4 month old americaunas and a 1 year old silkie bantam. We kept them separated but in the same yard for a month. Then let them out together. After an hour, we saw that our most aggressive black sex link was too aggressive. We removed her for 1 week and kept her in the shed. The other black sex link is getting along fine with the new chickens. We tried to let our aggressive hen back in the mix today and she seemed even more aggressive and went after our little white silkie, who now has a couple tiny blood spots on her. Any suggestions????

 

[sumi]

Some members here suggested using a water pistol on aggressive chickens. Put her back with the flock and if she attacks anyone, give her a squirt. Don't aim for the face though, aim for the body. She'll get the hint.

 

[Dette]

I used the water pistol quite successfully with my hens, although it took about two weeks, and my RIR still boss the new hens a bit, at least there is no bloodshed. It was rather violent at times and I was concerned the new hens were not getting enough to eat since the RIR would chase them up to the roost everytime they tried to come to the floor. You have to be super diligent though, bc I noticed sometimes, as I turned my back to walk away, the abuse would begin again. They have to work it out themselves, but a little persuasion with a lower impact water fun helps! Good luck!