My BR is being a brat

[Aunt Angus]

Ok... I know this has been discussed a gazillion times. I've read dozens of threads, but I cant seem to find a scenario that fits what's going on with my birds lately.

I have 4 pullets who are 6 months old and were raised together since arriving as day-olds: a BR, a Brahma, a BO and a Cochin. Lately, the BR, Zinnia, has been super mean to the Cochin, Iris. She chases her off from any treats and pecks at her when eating. I just watched her run halfway across the yard to get at her. Iris had a bloody comb the other day. I thought she'd gotten caught on something (she likes digging under the yucca tree which has sharp fronds). But now I think it was Zinnia's doing.

Anyhoo, most threads I've read point to space issues. My girls free range most of the day. When they are not free ranging, they are in a 113 sq ft run with lots of things in it to keep them busy. The coop is 4 × 8 with multiple levels and ramps and roosts, but they only sleep in it. I don't think space is the problem. Or is it???

And I haven't introduced any new flock members or anything, but I am planning to in summer. Needless to say, I'd love to get this figured out before then.

So.... is this just a flock ironing out pecking order issues, or should I go ahead and put Zinnia in chicken jail for a while in hopes that it shakes up the current pecking order?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your birds are still sexually maturing. They are hormonal and more concerned with the pecking order. Generally stuff calms down after they get a bit older.

 

[AltonaAcres]

I have had that happen with certain chickens as well. They usually stop after a few days to a week when they've got everything all figured out. If you feel like the bullied chicken is in immediate danger however, I would step in.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I have had that happen with certain chickens as well. They usually stop after a few days to a week when they've got everything all figured out. If you feel like the bullied chicken is in immediate danger however, I would step in.

Thanks for replying!

That's what I figured, but I didn't want to "ignore" behavior that might put slow, doofy, delightful Iris in danger of injury.

How much is too much? Drawing blood? And how long is too long for such behavior to persist?

Sorry for the myriad questions. Just want to be able to make an informed decision.

 

[AltonaAcres]

Yes, it's good to care I'd say if there is blood on Iris consistently, like most days, and she's acting sad and abused, not getting enough food, and acting stressed, that I would separate out the bully. Keep in mind that combs and feet bleed more than they should, so it may seem worse than it really is. If this persists for more than a month or two you should start trying to figure something else out. I have some chickens though that just get pecked on by a few certain chickens most of their lives, but it's minor, and rare that they get injured. The rest of the chickens treat them normally, it's like certain chickens hold grudges against their flockmates. LOL

 

[Aunt Angus]

A very appropriate use of that emoji! I will def keep an eye on them.

Zinnia is super sweet to me, though. She has started to jump in my lap and request pets and cuddles. It's like she's an Eddie Haskell (if that reference isn't too old for everyone). She sucks up to the adults and takes advantage of her peers - LOL!