Integration and Bantam Bully

[LavenderMotherHen]

I’m in the process of integrating new chicks into the flock and everything is going well- except our bully. Who happens to be a bantam, so she’s small enough that she can follow the chicks into all the hiding spots I fix for the pullets. My gentle giants- the Orpingtons- have been lovely about the whole thing, but dang- our bantam can be mean. She grabs them by the feathers and drags them. They cry and try to get away. So far no blood, but I’ve got her in a dog crate in the coop. I’m sure in a month or two she won’t be able to drag them around because they will be bigger than her! Any ideas in the meantime?? I believe she is a Silver Penciled Rock Bantam- and 3 years old. She’s been such a little lady until now- and definitely at the bottom of the original pecking order.

pullets are 7+ weeks and Easter Eggers and Red Sex Link

 

[aart]

So far no blood, but I’ve got her in a dog crate in the coop. I’m sure in a month or two she won’t be able to drag them around because they will be bigger than her! Any ideas in the meantime??

The bully is in a dog crate?
Good move!
Is the bully low bird in the main flock?
They are often the hardest on new 'intruders'.

 

[LavenderMotherHen]

The bully is in a dog crate?
Good move!
Is the bully low bird in the main flock?
They are often the hardest on new 'intruders'.

Yes! She’s the lowest of the three original birds.

 

[LavenderMotherHen]

Things seems to be getting better. After a night in time out, she seems to have mellowed out. She still doesn’t like them, but isn’t mercilessly chasing them down. Thank goodness