Mean Pullet

[Hardheadedgypsy]

Good Morning BYC Friends,

I have a question. Can stop birds from bullying each other? How? Yesterday I noticed one of my silver laces picking on the other chickens. I had thought my barred rock was queen. Now she is being a bit sulky and not eating. The silver lace is now picking on and running everyone around. This started when I started putting 5 week old chicks out in a little rabbit cage on the ground to be outside for a bit and get to meet everyone.
Just wondering if I can break of picking on everyone or will they take care of it on their own.
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Acre4Me]

Yes, to some extent, they will figure it out on their own.

since it started when chicks made their appearance, will assume space is ok for the chickens. But make sure there is enough space when the chicks permanently join the flock.

add some visual disruptions to the run. Where a picked on chicken can get out of the line of sight of others. Dont create any dead ends, though! So, a pallet leaned up against a fence or wall, etc.

We just put some roosts up in our run, so the chickens could spread out more and chill out a bit. We have plenty of space and visual disruptions, but needed another element in the run area, so we added some roosts.
Good luck!

 

[aart]

will assume space is ok for the chickens. But make sure there is enough space when the chicks permanently join the flock.

Not going to assume
@Hardheadedgypsy how big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.

Chickens don't like change, so new birds can throw a wrench in the machinery.
What are your long term plans for integrating the new chicks into the flock?

Oh, and ......Welcome to BYC!
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Hardheadedgypsy]

Not going to assume
@Hardheadedgypsy how big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.

Chickens don't like change, so new birds can throw a wrench in the machinery.
What are your long term plans for integrating the new chicks into the flock?

Oh, and ......Welcome to BYC!
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2055754

 

[Hardheadedgypsy]

I also posted a page connected to my profile.

 

[Hardheadedgypsy]

Yes, to some extent, they will figure it out on their own.

since it started when chicks made their appearance, will assume space is ok for the chickens. But make sure there is enough space when the chicks permanently join the flock.

add some visual disruptions to the run. Where a picked on chicken can get out of the line of sight of others. Dont create any dead ends, though! So, a pallet leaned up against a fence or wall, etc.

We just put some roosts up in our run, so the chickens could spread out more and chill out a bit. We have plenty of space and visual disruptions, but needed another element in the run area, so we added some roosts.
Good luck!

Thank you. I will
Try out your ideas thanks.

 

[Hardheadedgypsy]

Thank you for all your help.

 

[Hardheadedgypsy]

Not going to assume
@Hardheadedgypsy how big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.

Chickens don't like change, so new birds can throw a wrench in the machinery.
What are your long term plans for integrating the new chicks into the flock?

Oh, and ......Welcome to BYC!
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2055754

Long term plan is to keep separated in yard for a bit . New chicks to learn it and everyone gets to know each other. Figuring out a separation in coop is what I am thinking on right now. Have some time to work it out.

 

[Rooapalooza]

That looks very nice. Can you set out multiple dishes of food/water far away from each other, to make sure everyone has a chance to eat without being run off? That has worked for me, for the most part.

Your space is big enough that other than that, I'd probably let them work it out. Some pecking order fighting is normal anytime you make flock changes, including when younger birds start reaching adulthood and wanting to be further up in the flock. If it gets more intense or violent then you can interfere by separating the bully in her own area for a while, or separating the worst of the bullied in an area where she/they can eat in peace.

 

[Hardheadedgypsy]

That looks very nice. Can you set out multiple dishes of food/water far away from each other, to make sure everyone has a chance to eat without being run off? That has worked for me, for the most part.

Your space is big enough that other than that, I'd probably let them work it out. Some pecking order fighting is normal anytime you make flock changes, including when younger birds start reaching adulthood and wanting to be further up in the flock. If it gets more intense or violent then you can interfere by separating the bully in her own area for a while, or separating the worst of the bullied in an area where she/they can eat in peace.