I can't determine which hen is the bully

[Shellybaby28]

Hello. I have 11 RIR hens and just over the last few days one particular hen is being very bullied. The feathers from its neck have been plucked though I can't see skin. I spent an hour outside this morning trying to determine which hen is being the bully but the bullied hen seems to be wary of all the other hens. What should I do??

 

[Wezdin]

Welcome to BYC!!! Have these hens all been together or were they all recently integrated? If there is any blood at all it would be wise to either separate the bullied hen or treat the wound with blu-kote.

 

[staceyj]

This might not be a case of bullying.
She could be molting.

It’s common to see evidence of featherloss around their neck.

And I’ve found with my birds that some of them seem sort
Of “off” and hesitant to “hang with her homies”.

What color is this birds comb? Bright or pale?

Gently pick her up and check for all over for lice, mites, boo-boos and pin feathers coming in.
Sometimes when you gently lift their outer feathers they look like a porcupine disguised as a chicken!

Please come back and let us know.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

How old are these hens? How much space do they have and what are you feeding including treats and supplements?

Is it possible that it's molting? Pics can be helpful.

 

[Wezdin]

This might not be a case of bullying.
She could be molting.

It’s common to see evidence of featherloss around their neck.

And I’ve found with my birds that some of them seem sort
Of “off” and hesitant to “hang with her homies”.

What color is this birds comb? Bright or pale?

Gently pick her up and check for all over for lice, mites, boo-boos and pin feathers coming in.
Sometimes when you gently lift their outer feathers they look like a porcupine disguised as a chicken!

Please come back and let us know.

Didn't think of that, but it definitley is a likely possibility.

 

[aart]

Hello. I have 11 RIR hens and just over the last few days one particular hen is being very bullied. The feathers from its neck have been plucked though I can't see skin. I spent an hour outside this morning trying to determine which hen is being the bully but the bullied hen seems to be wary of all the other hens. What should I do??

How old are birds?
How much space do they have, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics of coop would help.

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