Mean Chickens!

[Kimberlee516]

“My hen got her foot hurt and now the others are pecking her and she started bleeding! We have her separated from the others but now worry will they still keep hurting her? She is already missing patches of feathers and they won't let them grow back in and we are getting down into the cold temperatures. She slept in a pet crate in the house last night!” Will keeping her apart help her feathers get a start coming back while her foot heals?

 

[Pork Pie]

Unfortunately, chicken society seems rather harsh. They can peck relentlessly at the sight of blood, and similarly, if a subordinate flock member observes a senior member attacking a chicken, they will also do the same. I'd strongly suggest keeping her separate until she returns to full health and plumage (saline solution, iodine or some such will help prevent infection of the wounds). Thereafter, this link may help on getting her back into the flock - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/reintegrating-a-recovered-hen-to-a-small-flock

Good luck
CT

 

[Kimberlee516]

Sorry so long to reply! Just started figuring out my way around the site. Thank you for the advice. I did get her back into the flock, she has a slight limp bump seems fine, laying eggs again so all is well. Except now I have another one to watch for the same feather issue. Chickens are so mean for such little creatures! I will do the same with her as well. Thanks again.

 

[Pork Pie]

You are most welcome