New Hen is Mean

[WendyTestaburger]

I rescued two 2 year old hens at the beginning of June. They were missing s ton of feathers from a rooster that was overmating them at a hatchery.

I kept them in quarantine for four weeks and started integration with my flock of 6 at the beginning of July. The first few days we had them free range together and there was some pecking from the rescues which was surprising but we knew they had to work it out. Now I have moved them to the run together (we have a 6x9 ft run and a 8x25 ft run extension they have access to all day).

Twice the one hen who was worse off (Penny) has pecked my old head hen and made her bleed on her comb and today was her ear. They aren't large wounds but they did bleed so I'm concerned. Today's ear wound happened when my original head hen was frozen not moving and not challenging her. She also goes after the others if they're eating or drinking. Despite me having 3 water stations and 2 food stations.

The other rescue (Willow) has integrated wonderfully. The original girls are timid around her but she doesn't attack them unprovoked like Penny does.

I tried letting them all sleep in the coop tonight for the first time together, usually the two rescues go to the garage pens at bedtime. Penny was just beating up on everyone on the roosts. Stalking them and pecking them off the roosts!

I don't know what to do! I'm fine selling her if we have to but I'm wondering if there's anything else I can try. I have willow in the coop sleeping with the others but I removed Penny and have her back in the garage by herself.

 

[Kidwantschickens]

I would take her out and put her in garage to sleep then once it's dark and they're asleep put her back on the roost in the coop.... Hopefully if they wake up together they will do better. That has worked for me in past but these guys already know each other.

 

[WendyTestaburger]

I would take her out and put her in garage to sleep then once it's dark and they're asleep put her back on the roost in the coop.... Hopefully if they wake up together they will do better. That has worked for me in past but these guys already know each other.

I have tried putting them in at night before twice and there was no pecking but because I was trying sweet pdz for the flooring the two resuces wouldn't jump down in the morning so I stopped until I could change back to woodchips (today). I'm worried she will draw blood in the morning before the auto door opens but I could go out before the sun comes up and open it for them. Shouldn't I be concerned she's drawing blood?

 

[Battlepants]

One theory I've heard on breaking a bully is to take the bully hen out, leave them alone for 1-2 days, then plop them right back into the run with everyone around. This "new" chicken should get picked on a bit, which should knock them way down the pecking order. This may just be the kick in the rear this chicken needs in order to be civil.

 

[WendyTestaburger]

One theory I've heard on breaking a bully is to take the bully hen out, leave them alone for 1-2 days, then plop them right back into the run with everyone around. This "new" chicken should get picked on a bit, which should knock them way down the pecking order. This may just be the kick in the rear this chicken needs in order to be civil.

Ok I will try that and see how it goes. I wonder if she had extra confidence because she had her friend with her because they both definitely ganged up on my original flock when we free ranged them those first few times.

 

[Battlepants]

Ok I will try that and see how it goes. I wonder if she had extra confidence because she had her friend with her because they both definitely ganged up on my original flock when we free ranged them those first few times.

Yea, having a friend along with her would definitely boost her up the pecking order.

Now, having Penny isolated and Willow fully integrating at the same time. Willow may very well come to the defense of her new flock when Penny comes back.

 

[WendyTestaburger]

Yea, having a friend along with her would definitely boost her up the pecking order.

Now, having Penny isolated and Willow fully integrating at the same time. Willow may very well come to the defense of her new flock when Penny comes back.

Ok awesome, thanks for the advice. I'm feeling optimistic! Hopefully we can make this work because I'd really hate to rehome her but I just won't have her beating up my favorite girl. Nope nope nope

 

[Mrs. K]

Get her some pin less peepers if the separating her does not work, or sell her. A mean bird can just make you sick every time you go down to the coop.

 

[WendyTestaburger]

Thanks for all the responses, I have a couple questions...

So I've had Penny in the garage for two days. She still squawks and they can hear eachother, is that an issue? She's not seen the others, fully separated.

Also, should I put her in the coop tonight with the others or should I reintroduce her to the others via free range time during the days? Do I keep putting her in the garage to sleep at night or will that reset everything? Not sure how to best handle reintroduction.

Willow is doing so well, eating alongside the others, sleeping right up next to them on the roost. They aren't bffs but I think it's understood Willow is head hen now with pretty much zero pecking (that I've seen) which is fantastic.

 

[Battlepants]

Personally, I would plop her right out in the group while they are free ranging. From my theory on chickens, this would be as if a wild chicken were to approach your flock and try to join. As for reintroducing at night, this is to reduce conflict by tricking the flock into thinking this one was already here. In this case, you actually want some conflict, but against the bully. Of course, stick around in case things get especially violent. There will be some pecking and screaming, but if you start seeing blood, it would be best to separate them.

As for sleeping tonight, I would let Penny sleep in the coop with everyone else. In theory she should be a much more submissive chicken after todays experience.