Hen Being Heavily Bullied While Trying to Reintroduce to Flock

[QuitYerCluckin]

Hello Strangers!

We have a small flock of 10 hens, and we had to remove one of them (a leghorn) for a long while, as she had a bad case of bumblefoot that we took care of. Today is our second attempt at re-introducing her to the flock (which is five more leghorns, and four cinnamon queens) and they are at it again. The first time, they pecked a hole in the back of her head, almost to the bone, so we removed her and tended to her wounds and got her to the point where she was in good shape again. Well today, we tried re-introducing her again and they've got the back of her head bloodied again, and it seems they are even going for her eyes. Is there anything at all that we can do to re-introduce her to the flock without her nearly dying? The poor thing has been through so much, and she's such a docile, sweet girl.

All advice appreciated!

 

[sbhkma]

If you have a dog kennel - the wire ones you can see through, not the solid crate type ones-place it in the run if you have room, and if not place it right next to the run. That way they can all see each other but no one can hurt the new gal. I'd do that for at least a week if not 2 weeks, so they can see, smell, hear each other. that also gives the injured gal a chance to heal and grow some feathers back on her injured head. After that, try putting her back. If you free range at all, that would be a good time to let the new gal out with the flock. She can more easily get away from the bullies instead of standing in a corner getting pecked at. If they're going for her eyes (not unheard of) you might even want to try taking more most docile hen and putting her in the kennel with the new gal after a week so she can bond with a buddy. It may help her integration. Good luck!