Hen Bully

[GRB73]

All three of my hens are molting which means strange behavior. I never know what to expect from year to year. This year my RIR is bullying the Ameraucauna, who is in the middle of a severe molt. The RIR is chasing her around and not letting her in the coop at night. The RIR sits at the entrance of the coop and lunges at my poor Ameracauna when she tries to go into the coop. Every night, when I go to close the coop, I find the Ameracauna perched in the dark run. I have to pick her up and pop her into the coop.
Has anyone had an experience like this? Any suggestions on how to resolve?

 

[azygous]

You're right. Molt sure does bring out the craziness in chickens. Some go through drastic personality changes, morphing from sweet, gentle cuddly friends to shrieking in protest if you try to lay even one finger on them.

What you describe is quite common and it often results when a chicken loses their appetite during molt and loses weight. This starts a vicious circle of starvation causing weakness causing inability to compete at the feeder and further weakens them so they lose the ability to stand up for themselves against a bully. The bully, in turn, is encouraged by this weakness, and becomes even worse which causes the victim to lose even more self confidence, and she withdraws. It doesn't take much imagination to see where this could end up.

You need to interrupt the bully victim cycle. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

A safe enclosure in the run is required, temporary or permanent, it's up to you. Daily monitoring and special feeding is required. The victim needs to be rehabilitated and fed and strengthened, both emotionally and physically. It sounds like it will take a lot of time, but it can be accomplished in a relatively few days. You will be amazed. Oh, and the bully? She'll cease to be a problem once your victim hen has regained her strength and self confidence.

 

[GRB73]

Thank you! This is an interesting perspective. I was considering putting the bully in chicken jail--a dog pen in our garage--during the nights to take her down a few pegs. You suggest putting the victim in jail.

I read the article and it hit close to home. My little Ameracauna (Hawke) has been spending quite a bit of time in the coop to avoid the RIR (Miss Pepperpot). She does come down to eat and drink and all three free range for 3-4 hours a day. Despite the bullying, they always travel as a trio around the yard.

I would like to try isolating Hawke but the only isolation area I have is a dog crate in the garage. She will miss her buddy, a top of the pecking order white Wyandotte. Do you think being kept out of sight of the other two could worsen the situation? She is a very timid, nervous bird who enjoys the company of her friends.