I've been home the last two days working with them again. My little rooster is trying to coo at the bullies now. Is there a way to maybe build his confidence so he will commit to keeping them in check? He's grown up with hens who just run away with him so he doesn't have any follow through except with two.
It kind of seems to be settling into these two bullies being the biggest problem. Ish. They are the ones I think I want to deal with first at least. One of my hens is so terrified of the bullies that she's isolating now. If I put peepers on the two brats, wouldn't they still be bullies when I take them off? I feel awful for the bullied hen.
During feeding/snack time, is there a trick to keep them from fighting? I will set up six feeding stations ten feet apart. The bully hens will start at one dish, then see the other hens at a different spot and go there to bully them. I have to physically stand there to keep them apart. It doesn't seem to matter how many dishes I set out or where.
I'm going to go to the store today and get some diy treat balls and such to see if I can keep them distracted. I feel bad for everyone and hate that things have gotten so chaotic with me working full time now. They used to be such sweeties. Dysfunctional as heck, but sweet.
