Hens raised together has singled one out.

[SelinaTreasures]

I have 4 back yard Bard-rock hens that I raised from birth. They have always gotten along until this fall. They started fighting (pecking order) but when the dust settled, they singled out one hen that they pick on. She is so frightened that she hides from them. I finally put her in a separate small coop, with a run, within our large run. All of them can see her and try to get to her constantly. I thought everything would be okay because she started to settle down and everything was working fine until I put her in with the others one night. Once dawn came, the fighting commenced and now I'm back to square one. This has been going on for since Nov. Is there any chance that she will ever be accepted back into the flock? What more can I do?

 

[SueT]

Hi and welcome to BYC! I also have a barred rock, just one. She's the ruler, but as long as the underlings stay out of her way, all is fine. I am not sure what you can do beyond keeping the separate quarters where they can see each other. Hopefully you will get more advice here. Good luck, and let us know how it goes....

 

[centrarchid]

I have 4 back yard Bard-rock hens that I raised from birth. They have always gotten along until this fall. They started fighting (pecking order) but when the dust settled, they singled out one hen that they pick on. She is so frightened that she hides from them. I finally put her in a separate small coop, with a run, within our large run. All of them can see her and try to get to her constantly. I thought everything would be okay because she started to settle down and everything was working fine until I put her in with the others one night. Once dawn came, the fighting commenced and now I'm back to square one. This has been going on for since Nov. Is there any chance that she will ever be accepted back into the flock? What more can I do?

Can you post current pictures of your chickens? The procedure is a little intimidating at first but opens up lines of communication later.

 

[Scott214]

I know it sounds crazy and is a little time consuming but try changing up the whole coop! Move roosts and nesting boxes and add things and move food. Also add another feeder and watered cause the others will try to keep her from accessing the original ones. Also maybe if possible raise some more friendly but also tough birds like buff Orpington chicks two or three and it may even things out and she won’t be singled out.

 

[SelinaTreasures]

I know it sounds crazy and is a little time consuming but try changing up the whole coop! Move roosts and nesting boxes and add things and move food. Also add another feeder and watered cause the others will try to keep her from accessing the original ones. Also maybe if possible raise some more friendly but also tough birds like buff Orpington chicks two or three and it may even things out and she won’t be singled out.

Thank you. At this point, I am willing to try anything.

 

[centrarchid]

Verify females only involved. What type of feed / feeds are your using?

Generally, something is major off for female only groups to have such discord.

 

[Penny spender]

What about removing 1 or 2 of the trouble makers? Then, when reintroduced in a bit (maybe a week or 2) they would be the newcomer and bottom of the pecking order. This may give the frightened hen a chance to get her confidence back.