I'm afraid I have a bullying problem.

[cluckmecoop7]

Hi everyone!

I'm not sure, but I think I have bullying problem. One of my Golden Laced Wyandotte's, Dazzle, is starting to (I think) bully one of my other hens, Blamo. (Same breed.) When I feed them, Dazzle will chase Blamo away from where the food is and peck her on the neck. But, I do make sure Blamo gets enough food. So, I was wondering if this is a problem or if it is just something to do with the pecking order.?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Mimi13]

I believe what you are seeing is the chicken pecking order being carried out. Just a peck or two at the food or water bowl is no cause for alarm. Even though I have had no real bullying issues in my flock, I think you would see constant chasing, feather plucking and even bloodshed. The victim would always be hiding and would cower down to most anything.

 

[aart]

Hi everyone!

I'm not sure, but I think I have bullying problem. One of my Golden Laced Wyandotte's, Dazzle, is starting to (I think) bully one of my other hens, Blamo. (Same breed.) When I feed them, Dazzle will chase Blamo away from where the food is and peck her on the neck. But, I do make sure Blamo gets enough food. So, I was wondering if this is a problem or if it is just something to do with the pecking order.?

Thank you in advance!

Sounds like basic pecking order.
Multiple feed and water stations can help.

Knowing more about....
-your flock size(numbers, ages, genders),
-your coop(size in feet by feet with pics),
might offer clues to if there is a solvable problem.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thanks both!

@aart, I have a flock of 6 hens. I'll reply to the other questions soon...

 

[Aunt Angus]

Following. I am concerned about a similar situation here.

 

[rosemarythyme]

So far it's more pecking order than bullying. Obviously keep an eye on it but if that's the extent of it, your low ranked hen will be fine.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

So far it's more pecking order than bullying. Obviously keep an eye on it but if that's the extent of it, your low ranked hen will be fine.

Thank you.

Just to tell more, they are all about 14 weeks old. When Dazzle pecks Blamo, she sometimes gives a little cry....or squawk.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Just to tell more, they are all about 14 weeks old. When Dazzle pecks Blamo, she sometimes gives a little cry....or squawk.

Still fine. It's just a sound of slight alarm or protest. It may be distressing for you to see but they're at the age where they're really starting to jockey for ranking and someone has to end up at top, someone at the bottom.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Still fine. It's just a sound of slight alarm or protest. It may be distressing for you to see but they're at the age where they're really starting to jockey for ranking and someone has to end up at top, someone at the bottom.

With the hen at the bottom get pecked all the time?

 

[rosemarythyme]

With the hen at the bottom get pecked all the time?

All the time, no. But you may see it when resources are involved, such as feed or maybe a desirable nest box. Like if you don't have feed out 24/7, when you bring it out in the morning you'll probably see the bottom hen(s) being pecked or briefly chased - dominant birds eat first, others have to wait. This is why having multiple feeders spread around is a good idea, especially first thing in the morning.