Is a large dog crate ok?

[rcentner]

I have a hen who has always been nasty to the other birds..all of them. The head hen kept her in line, but she passed and the flock is re-adjusting after the loss of many chickens (to a fox). She will go out of her way to peck at another chicken. Not just peck, but pull out feathers. Some of our hens would not leave the hen house because of her. I do believe that her behavior was rubbing off on one of my BR hens cause she started to peck as well (but not go out of her way to do so).
I separated her yesterday and the only thing I have is a large dog crate. I put a little roost in there for her too and have been giving her treats to keep her busy. She seems depressed. my thought is that if I re-introduce her to the flocks in a couple weeks, she may not establish the same rank and not do so much pecking (since my newer chickens will be better adapted).
Is it humane to keep her in the cage? I can't put her anywhere else cause my DH wants to get rid of her and will NOT donate his garage like he usually does for these situations. I just feel terrible for her, but it is her fault. She is eating and drinking well in there (and poopin, lol).
And...do you think it will work as an attitude adjustment?

 

[Chickie'sMoma]

a dog crate should work to help put her in her place for some time. she will have to relearn the pecking order when she has been removed or separated for some time from the flock. if she goes back to being mean to your other chickens it might be time to part with her. i've found many of my problems with hens being 'plucky' solved that way and if they don't reform they get re homed.

 

[teach1rusl]

For many bullies it only takes 3-4 days away from the flock for things to change. I would wait max a week. Then if things don't change, I would rehome her.

 

[patandchickens]

Yup, I use one as an isolation unit when other things are all occupied. A chicken isolated from the flock *will* generally seem a bit depressed or worried, they are flock creatures. And honestly you are *trying* to take her down a peg, right? So.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[calicokat]

You won't need a month. I had one out for just a few days when she was injured and when she came back, it was like she was new and had to fuss some to get her place back. Try a week and see how it goes.

 

[rcentner]

thanks guys, I try to give her special treatment to make her feel better, but she isn't as loving as the other birds and doesn't appreciate it as much. I really don't want to rehome her cause I am afraid an older hen like her would just be soup. Tear forming just thinkin bout that. hopefully, this works and she won't be so mean. anyhow, thanks again for the advice. and now the flock is happy, they are all going outside and much more peaceful.