Is this normal?

[Kathleen1115]

I have a flock of 4 four-year-olds and 3 three year olds -- all different breeds. My EE, Blanche, has always been top chicken, but she is a benevolent leader. I never see her using much force but she gets first pick of roosting spots, first selection of treats and everyone is completely deferential to her. For us it the middle tier -- the other 3 four year olds, a BO, a Partridge Rock and a GW -- who are the terrors and can be just plain mean to the three youngest. It's getting to be about time to add some babies and although I'm looking forward to having chicks again, I'm dreading the "meet and greet"!

 

[kuhlmanl]

She looks just like our Biscuits. She is the queen of our coop too Quite a bossy little lady.

 

[kuhlmanl]

She looks just like our Biscuits. She is the queen of our coop too. Quite the bossy little lady!

 

[Dirtrider73068]

This is the best shot I could get of the main aggressor.

I have a cream colored one just like the last pic, but she is a sweetie loves to be held, likes to be petted and will come right up to you. Most the others will come up to you mostly to pull at the fresh grass right outside the door but do fuss a little when picking them up but settle down, all 6 of mine will sleep in a huddle with everyone and at times sleep on top of each other.

 

[emilyschartz21]

So I have four hens that are over a year old and two baby Rhode Island reds that are a little over two months old.... The older ones really just ignore them until one of the little ones thinks she's tough and tries to fight them. How do I get her to stop doing that?

 

[aart]

So I have four hens that are over a year old and two baby Rhode Island reds that are a little over two months old.... The older ones really just ignore them until one of the little ones thinks she's tough and tries to fight them. How do I get her to stop doing that?

The hens will take care of it.

 

[emilyschartz21]

Ok that works. How long does it take for them to do that? They won't hurt the little ones will they?

 

[troy4]

I have two groups of pullets, group 1 is 8 weeks old 2 buff orpingtons 2 black australorps. Group 2 is 6 weeks old 3 RIR 1 barred rock 1 blue copper maran. They were in separate brooders while the coop was being built but they we're let outside to roam together with some small chasing around but nothing serious. Now they're in the coop/run the run is 8'x14' and the biggest BO is getting pretty aggressive towards the smaller younger pullets, she chasers them away from food while she's eating, pecks them, and will chase them sometimes just out of the blue. Is this normal and should I be concerned? Should I intervene in any way? If so what should I do? Thanks

Sounds like she's just putting them in their place.

 

[troy4]

She probably just making sure everyone knows shes boss.No worries when i started putting my hens with each other the oldest would peck at them.Its just the way they work. peck run.They may fight back as they get older.They won't let them eat because there may not be enough space.Build another feeder.Its ok if soars are on face leg if anywhere else take them hens inside.

 

[GOLDENSEABRIGHT]

The real problem here is basically territorial and dominance based. For me the best way to fix this problem is to take a small cage, place her in it by herself for 1 day. This will help calm her nerves a lot. This method also helps when you take a hen from her chicks for good and put her back with the flock. If this doesn't work, get some water and when you catch her doing it splash her with the water. These two methods help a lot for me. Good luck.