Is she better off here as a solo hen or in a new home as the weakest link?

[Chicken-newb]

Sadly, I feel like I'm falling into this same situation. My birds keep pecking each other and I've tried many many different methods, but I think they need to be culled or separated to change pecking order. It makes me feel sad. Seeing someone else out there with my same feelings of being overwhelmed makes me feel less like a complete screw up.

 

[Debbie292d]

Sadly, I feel like I'm falling into this same situation. My birds keep pecking each other and I've tried many many different methods, but I think they need to be culled or separated to change pecking order. It makes me feel sad. Seeing someone else out there with my same feelings of being overwhelmed makes me feel less like a complete screw up.

Pecking usually has three causes.

1. There's a bully or bullies
2. Overcrowding
3. Lack of protein

1. Pull the bully or bullies out and pen them separately.

2. Ensure there are 4 sq feet per bird in the coop and 10-15 sq feet each in the run.

3. Feed higher protein food like all-flock that is 18-20% vs layer that's 16-17% protein. Scrambled eggs are a healthy treat, high in protein, and can be fed a little daily or a couple of times a week. If you switch to an all-flock, be sure to have oyster shell in a separate dish for the layers, as it's lower in calcium, so good for chicks and roosters.