Just got my first flock yesterday...

[adeleroy8]

Just got my 1st flock yesterday...I am so excited...been out to my TRACTOR style coop already 10 times today. Anyway here is my question:

I have 1 Road Island Red Rooster
1 Plymouth White Rock....adult, already laying
2 Buff Orpintons...suppose to start laying in about a month or two
1 Golden comet pullet....suppose to start laying next spring
1 Black Copper Maran pullet....suppose to start laying next spring

Looks like my little Black Copper Maran is at the bottom of the pecking order....but just how much bullying is okay??? It's breaking my heart....should I do something different?

The rooster and Plymouth White Rock where together the longest in a Tractor coop. The Plymouth White Rock was introduced to the big flock of birds b/c she was getting too pecked in the tractor she was in. The "big flock" contained all the other birds...maybe close to 50 chickens.

Thanks

New mom!!

 

[FishaRneKed]

Pictures?

 

[krista74]

I think there will always be someone in the flock that gets picked on - it's the nature of the birds. After all, that's where the term 'pecking order' comes from!

Some pecking is to be expected when you integrate new birds with the existing flock. Mine have been together for nearly 2 months now, and they will still give the smaller one a nip if she intrudes on their space, particularly during feeding time. For the rest of the time though, they get along ok, and everyone is healthy, with all of them now laying.

Problems arise when they pick so much and so often that significant feathers are being lost, injuries incurred, or blood appears. At that point you probably need to reassess your flock and perhaps re-home any overtly aggressive birds, or separate some from others.

Most often, the chickens will sort out their worries between themselves and settle down into a routine. Give it a little time, supervise them often, and see how they go.

Hope your new flock brings you much happiness Krista