New to Chickens-one hen is a bully

[gibsterl]

Hi-
I am new to chickens-I have 4 chickens that are ~14 mos old, 2 barred rocks and 2 NH reds, additionally 2 15 week old barreds. All are hens.They were all introduced together in the coop the same day. All came from a place with alot of chickens including roosters. The first day there was some aggression towards the little girls but everyone was able to eat and drink-there was just some chasing and pecking but none of it serious. Now after 5 days the little girls refuse to come out of the coop at all. I placed feed and a waterer outside and inside so all would be comfortable but today they had a hard time getting to the feeder inside too. At night once all are tucked in to their roost they are ok. One of the older Barreds is the most aggressive....so can I expect this to continue or might it improve as the little girls get bigger-what advise can anyone give- Lynn

 

[teach1rusl]

It will get better, but it'll take time...that's a big age difference. As long as feathers aren't being yanked out or combs aren't being bloodied, I would just chalk it up to pecking order for now. If it's still this rough a month from now, then I might try another tactic. Youngsters will be chased away from food/treats...that's pretty typical. If they chase a few steps and let it go, then that's normal. Now if they corner someone and keep pecking/attacking, that's NOT normal.

So lots of barriers in the run is good. Add stumps, or large branches, old step ladders, wooden crates or boxes, anything that gives the youngsters places to get to to avoid the bigger birds if needed. You already took care of the multiple feeder/waterer issue - do make sure they're spaced well apart so they can't all be "guarded" at once. If you ever freerange, let the bigger birds out and keep the youngsters in for some "let their guard down" time...

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. I would also keep some Blue Kote on hand if any blood does get drawn. It helps hide the red. Good luck.

 

[weimarmama]

& from Alabama. Glad you joined us. Great advice given. Good luck

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Lynn, and

! Great to have you here! Best of luck integrating your flocks!

 

[JulieNKC]

 

[jbirds2012]

i agree with teach1rusi's advice. good luck.

 

[Big A Chickens]

Hi and

So glad you joined us!!!

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

You got some good advice here. Good luck!

 

[Red Barn Farms]

Hello, best of luck to you with your new flock. Don't worry it will all get better.