Hens aggressive pecking

[GT Earthan]

I have 24 country chickens in my deep litter farm out of them 3 are 1 and half year olds others are 4 month olds the big ones are always trying to chase away the young by pecking aggresively from food or they are pecking without any reason can anyone suggest some tips to stop this please?

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

Can you add more food and water stations around so the younger ones can have more easy access? Also maybe add some hiding spots around the yard 'clutter' so the smaller ones can hide if needed.

 

[GT Earthan]

It is a 250 sq foot place with 5 feeders and nipple drinkers the older hens are always stalking the young and pecking

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

Great you have multiple feed/drink. If it's just a peck I think it's ok, but if it is bad with blood or injuries etc then something more needs to be done like cage /isolate the 3 hen bullies in their own area if possible.

 

[GT Earthan]

There is no blood drawn but I fear that the young ones will become underfeed will anything like that happens

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

There is no blood drawn but I fear that the young ones will become underfeed will anything like that happens

If you're worried you could fence off the 3 bullies for a short time in the day then that will allow for the others some time to eat in peace.

 

[GT Earthan]

I am thinking of separating them using plastic net is it a good idea

 

[GT Earthan]

But will they be okay when they grow old or do I need to separate them in batches of 8 now itself.

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

I am thinking of separating them using plastic net is it a good idea

Not quite sure what you mean by plastic netting? But if they are separated then they can't bully the others so that's good.

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

But will they be okay when they grow old or do I need to separate them in batches of 8 now itself.

I don't think that's necessary in batches of 8. If your bullies are separate then all should be ok. You can try to reintroduce the bullies when you want and if they continue to bully then just separate them again. It just sounds like normal pecking order though if nobody is getting injured. But if you think the younger ones aren't eating enough because of the bullies then keep bullies separate for now.