Hens suddenly picking on one of the flock

[stevechickenflock]

I have had my small flock of hens for 2 years, a mix of breeds. Not long ago, my cochin started acting broody. She was so relentless that we separated her for a short time to try to break the broodiness. It worked, but now the rest of the flock has started picking on her. I thought it would pass, but it has been about a month, and I've started keeping her separate when I'm not around because I'm afraid they'll kill her. What can I do?

 

[Judy]

As I understand it from reading here, when you returned her after separation, you put her at the bottom of the pecking order. I would try identifying one who does a lot of the pecking, and separate that one for a few days, then put it back. Seems like this should rearrange the pecking order, maybe?