How to deal with bullying? (in my flock)

[chickiyo]

So after the death of one of our two chickens we got a new hen. However our old hen Ponyo is not getting along with the new hen, Akaky. Akaky is very laid back, but our Ponyo who has always been a very mild chicken keeps pecking her, but its only been a week since we got Akaky, will this behavior go away? We dont let the two sleep in the coop together because we cannot supervise them but should we start doing so? How can I get Ponyo to stop bullying Akaky?

 

[XoPeepoX]

How is your set up for shelter arranged? Pecking can have multiple causes. Inadequate feeder and waterer space, malnutrition, Keeping the chickens on wire floors instead of on litter, Using sand instead of straw or wood shavings as litter all can increase the pecking/cannibalism behavior in chickens.
You can try to feed them a high-fiber feed and it will discourage pecking. Or another remedy is for a single morning, replace the birds' usual water with water that has one tablespoon of salt added per gallon. Replace the salt water with fresh water in the afternoon. Repeat three days later.
people swear by the "pine tar" method for birds that have had their tail feathers pulled out. put some pine tar on the bare skin where the chicken is being pecked it tastes bad enough that pecking loses its appeal.

 

[Chick named Lola]

I had this problem and after trying to separate the bully from the flock for a few days it didn't stop. I decided to give them more time out of the run to forage, and for me, this solved the problem. I figured I'd rather loose a chicken to a hawk than have one pecked to death. I've been doing this for a few weeks now and haven't lost one yet and the bullying has completely stopped.

 

[chickiyo]

Thanks for the advice.
Our chickens aren't in a coop they are free range and are allowed to forage all the time as they have 9,000 sqft backyard to themselves and we make all their food at home, in bulk and we feed them regularly. So they definitely aren't fighting over resources. The pecking isn't very major, but every now and then I see her pecking the other hen, not enough to pull out feathers or anything. But is there anyway I can discourage it? Will it go away with time?

 

[donrae]

If she's not drawing blood or really actively chasing/hounding the new bird, I'd not worry about it. Sounds like new hen has plenty of room to stay out of the other hen's way. I'd let them work it out themselves. The first hen may never like the new girl and may always give her a peck or two.