Help! My "nice" hens have turned into bullies!

[WyoChick1]

The coop is about 6x8x6 with plenty of roosting bars, and the run is at least 20x30 feet. Not huge, but enough. They go outside every day, even during bad weather. What I meant about spring coming late here is that there were not bugs or plant growth as early as some climates would have. So I do not believe there is a crowding issue, but there may have been a boredom issue. That is no longer the case since spring has sprung by now, but habits may have already been formed. So that's on me, learning curve as a newbie chicken-keeper.

One of the pullets figured out she's the same as our SF Paris, though. Check it out! My 12 year old took this photo. We have been introducing this additional SF, as well as 2 other pullets (a black star and a speckled sussex), they got picked on at first, but now all seem ok if they just stay out of each other's way. Maybe we're turning a corner with this? I hope! If not, we will split the flock.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The coop is about 6x8x6 with plenty of roosting bars, and the run is at least 20x30 feet. Not huge, but enough. They go outside every day, even during bad weather. What I meant about spring coming late here is that there were not bugs or plant growth as early as some climates would have. So I do not believe there is a crowding issue, but there may have been a boredom issue.

Thanks for the measurements and clarification.

If you don't already have clutter in the run area, adding plenty of it and moving it around at times can help provide enrichment, hiding spots, and alleviate boredom: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/page-6#post-25037140

Even something as simple as dumping in bags of dried fall leaves (if you have somewhere to store them) gives them busywork when there's not much for them to forage through.

Maybe we're turning a corner with this? I hope! If not, we will split the flock.

The addition of the new chicks may (hopefully) help jostle the pecking order enough to reset things a bit, but good to know you're willing to split the flock if necessary to keep the peace.

 

[WyoChick1]

Thanks for the advice! "Clutter" sounds like a bad thing, haha. But yes, I can add/change that as a good thing instead!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks for the advice! "Clutter" sounds like a bad thing, haha. But yes, I can add/change that as a good thing instead!

It does because it sounds like a mess, and well-cluttered runs can sometimes look a bit of a yard sale (though I've seen some very neatly cluttered runs too). But it gives birds things to interact with (they can go in and out, on top, around) and more importantly it breaks visual line of sight, so if a bird is being bullied by another they can run behind something to try and stop the pursuit much more easily than trying to outrun the bully.

 

[WyoChick1]

Good to know! We can definitely find some more stuff to put in there for both stimulation and hiding. Thanks again!