Hen being severely abused by other hens.

[boskelli1571]

Count your chickens'.........Englands' too expensive to live there! I live in the US now, but still consider Bath my home.

 

[canadian flock]

Thanks, I will set up an extra pen for her. Is it ok for her to be completely alone? At her current rate of recovery, it might be a long time before she's ready and I heard chickens were social animals. Does she need another chicken with her?

 

[Janet Pesaturo]

It would be nicer for her if she had a friend or two, if you have one or two who will not attack her. It will also be easier on her to re-integrate a few rather than just the one, because the flock's aggression will be spread over a few birds rather than focused solely on her. And she will take comfort in having a friend, rather than feeling like everyone is against her.

 

[canadian flock]

I think it would be best if I used the new chicks as her friends, there are 5 of them, and integrate them together. It would save me an integration. She seems to be getting along with them well and they are pretty much the same size if not bigger than her. Is this a good idea or would it be better to use a hen from the original flock?

 

[Janet Pesaturo]

I think I would do the same. In fact, I have done that before: put an ailing and/or bullied hen with smaller, younger chickens who you know won't bother her. You are right, it would save you an integration. Plus, the older flock will probably focus more on the young ones when you integrate, and perhaps won't bother with your ailing hen.

 

[canadian flock]

OK, that's what i'll do. Thanks for your help.