Help with flock

[Eggstress]

Hi, I inherited 4 chickens. Has been an amazing year with them and I have the best time with them. There are 3 red looking ones and 1 barred rock. I believe the barred rock is newer to the flock. Anyways, the reds are mean to her (barred rock). I feel like she lives her life in stress of running from them or trying to eat and run. They don’t peck at her. Am I naive to think I could get another barred rock so she has a friend? Thanks for not shaming this new chicken owner and educating me.

 

[nuthatched]

Depending on how much room you have for them, adding a few more chickens could help, at least she'd have a group to hang out with.
It probably doesn't have to be more rocks but maybe some more blank and white birds could help.

 

[Aunt Angus]

And if you did add more, they might end up on the bottom of the pecking order, which would elevate your girl. Or she might still be on the bottom rung. It can be shocking to see how nasty chicken politics can be...

Is your Rock losing weight at all?

 

[Eggstress]

Depending on how much room you have for them, adding a few more chickens could help, at least she'd have a group to hang out with.
It probably doesn't have to be more rocks but maybe some more blank and white birds could help.

Thank you!

 

[Eggstress]

And if you did add more, they might end up on the bottom of the pecking order, which would elevate your girl. Or she might still be on the bottom rung. It can be shocking to see how nasty chicken politics can be...

Is your Rock losing weight at all?

Oh my they are mean ladies lol I laugh at them but, when giving scratch or goodies, I have to stand in front of her because they will push her away. No, she is very big and heathy. Funny thing is she is bigger than all of them! But she’s sweet. They just run up when she’s grazing and try and get what she has. She is good at doing a 360 and moving quick, but it’s always and I just feel like that is a stressful life! They sleep all cuddled together at night and the coop and otherwise hang out okay

 

[Aunt Angus]

Oh my they are mean ladies lol I laugh at them but, when giving scratch or goodies, I have to stand in front of her because they will push her away. No, she is very big and heathy. Funny thing is she is bigger than all of them! But she’s sweet. They just run up when she’s grazing and try and get what she has. She is good at doing a 360 and moving quick, but it’s always and I just feel like that is a stressful life! They sleep all cuddled together at night and the coop and otherwise hang out okay

I could be wrong, but it sounds a little like normal pecking order behavior. I'd worry if she were hurt or something. Someone has to be on the bottom. If it isn't her, it'll be someone else.

But a reason to get more chickens? Yes, please!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Someone's gotta be at the bottom. Add a new bird, add 3 new birds... at least one will still be at the bottom of the pecking order.

(Also adding a single bird is the most difficult integration, so plan on 2 or more, IF you have space to add more).

 

[Aunt Angus]

Someone's gotta be at the bottom. Add a new bird, add 3 new birds... at least one will still be at the bottom of the pecking order.

(Also adding a single bird is the most difficult integration, so plan on 2 or more, IF you have space to add more).

Great minds, and all that! We must've posted at the same time - haha!

 

[Eggstress]

I could be wrong, but it sounds a little like normal pecking order behavior. I'd worry if she were hurt or something. Someone has to be on the bottom. If it isn't her, it'll be someone else.

But a reason to get more chickens? Yes, please!

I am sure you are right. But I do like the idea of getting a couple more and changing the dynamics (hopefully). They are such amazing animals. I really do enjoy them so much. Thanks!

 

[Eggstress]

Someone's gotta be at the bottom. Add a new bird, add 3 new birds... at least one will still be at the bottom of the pecking order.

(Also adding a single bird is the most difficult integration, so plan on 2 or more, IF you have space to add more).

Thank you. That is what I was thinking, 2 more. They have plenty of room all day as they have an acre. As far as the coop, I’m not sure. I think it is 10x10 per bird? Is that how much room I should have inside where they sleep or the whole thing including the bottom where their food is. There are 4 nesting boxes and 2 roosting bars between the nesting boxes. I will need to measure. Thank you!