Jan the Bully

[kaitlynerin1219]

HELP!

One of our black sex linked (Jan) has been bullying one of our white leghorns (Meredith). To the point the Meredith has a scabby area on the back of her head that was bloody the other day when I came home from work. They’ve been together since they were 1 week old so it’s not an issue of new introductions. I’ve had the bully separated from the rest of the flock (they aren’t partaking in the torment) for about 3 days now, just this morning I attempted to reintroduce them and Jan went straight after Meredith. I’m not sure if a more permanent solution is necessary, even now laying in bed I can hear Jan from the coup crying to be with her sisters.

Some background on space in their coup/run. Both the run and the coup are 64sq feet to make a combined 128. They go out of the run to free range in the yard in the evenings when I get home from work. Usually at least 2-4 hours of out of coup time, on the weekends if we’re home they’re out of the coup all day.

 

[azygous]

Are you saying you have just the two chickens? Have you observed the dynamic between these two, or are you assuming Meredith is pounding Jan and Jan isn't attempting to stand up to her?

Please confirm the total number of chickens you have.

I suggest you sit and watch these two to see if Jan is doing anything to respond to Meredith's aggression. That will determine whether or not you need to intervene.

 

[50-45-1]

first i would like to confirm that your bully is a hen and not a rooster. i only bring that up as roosters will often tear up a hens comb during mating. and sometimes if one hen is resistant the rooster will pick on her more until she submits. pictures would help confirm that.
second if your hen {Jan}is just bullying your leghorn hen, sometimes it helps to separate the bully. this gives her time to readjust her thinking. if all else fails put a pair of pinless peepers on her for a couple weeks. i have had success with the pinless peepers. i purchased mine from Amazon with the tool to put them on. very reasonably priced.
Welcome to Backyard Chickens by the way, Glad you joined us!

 

[sourland]

If all else fails, do an on site search on 'Pin Less Peepers'. they may be of assistance under these circumstances.

 

[kaitlynerin1219]

Are you saying you have just the two chickens? Have you observed the dynamic between these two, or are you assuming Meredith is pounding Jan and Jan isn't attempting to stand up to her?

Please confirm the total number of chickens you have.

I suggest you sit and watch these two to see if Jan is doing anything to respond to Meredith's aggression. That will determine whether or not you need to intervene.

we have 6 total, Meredith won’t even go near Jan and Jan’s aggression seems unprovoked. When I tried to reintroduce them this morning after 3 days apart Jan was drinking at the water bowl and she saw Meredith walk by out of the corner of her eye and ran over to pin her down.

 

[kaitlynerin1219]

first i would like to confirm that your bully is a hen and not a rooster. i only bring that up as roosters will often tear up a hens comb during mating. and sometimes if one hen is resistant the rooster will pick on her more until she submits. pictures would help confirm that.
second if your hen {Jan}is just bullying your leghorn hen, sometimes it helps to separate the bully. this gives her time to readjust her thinking. if all else fails put a pair of pinless peepers on her for a couple weeks. i have had success with the pinless peepers. i purchased mine from Amazon with the tool to put them on. very reasonably priced.
Welcome to Backyard Chickens by the way, Glad you joined us!

Positive that Jan is a hen, I‘ve observed her laying so I know it’s not mating related. She’s been separated from them for about 3 days and there’s been no improvement I think I’ll try the pinless peepers thank you

 

[azygous]

If Jan isn't taking any part in trying to defend herself, she may be becoming a chronic victim. This dynamic actually encourages the bully's continuing aggressive behavior. It may be time to rehabilitate Jan.

Here's my article on how to accomplish this. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

 

[seminolewind]

Yup. I've used them too. Get the tool with it and avoid aggravation. They do not hurt. Also if she chases after her, make sure there are plenty of obstacles to help.

 

[aart]

Some background on space in their coup/run. Both the run and the coup are 64sq feet to make a combined 128.

Some pics of coop and run would help here.