Newbie needs help understanding possibly aggressive bird

[pathwandering]

Hi all,
Three weeks ago I got 1 standard Ameraucana (now 11 weeks), 1 Olive Egger (now 9 weeks), 2 bantam Orpingtons (10 weeks) and an Old English Game Bantam (10 weeks). From the start the Ameraucana (named Pip) was dominant, but I figured that was normal for one bird to be and wasn't too worried. Today she was full-on harrassing everyone else. To the point that the other birds were flying into the fence to try to get away from her. I haven't seen any real damage. This bird also nipped me today when I was undoing the fence (and pecked my toddler's finger when she put it through the fence once but that's to be expected).

They have about 100 sq feet of fenced in space, which from everything I've read should be plenty for 2 medium and 3 bantam birds. Especially at this age, right?

Tonight I decided to try letting them free range for a little to see if it would help, and it definitely gave her something else to do, however, all five birds went after the solid blue insulation that is under my deck stairs against the skirt. I tried to spread fencing to keep them away from it, but they were determined to get to it! I'm now mildly freaked out by the idea that they are absorbing those harmful flame retardant chemicals and later when they lay eggs their eggs will also have those chemicals in them which I will then feed to my toddler....

In general, I am not thrilled about the idea of having to free range them. I live in the woods with lots of predators all around. It just doesn't seem like a wise idea if I want to keep my birds - especially as the bantams are so incredibly gentle and docile, and the olive egger is sweet and not very bright. Even the OEGB is docile and easy to catch. In fact, it was very easy to round up all but Pip and put them back in the enclosure. Pip is still roaming around outside while the others cuddle together under the coop.

I'm wondering if I should rehome Pip? If I do that, will another bird just take her place? (If I did that, I would probably get another couple bantams to have enough eggs and enough body warmth in the coop for the winter). Is this an adolescent bird thing?

I am especially worried because I'm in Vermont, and if this type of behavior is happening in summer I can't imagine what it will be like in winter.

 

[Mrs. K]

Once in a while, you get a bird that does not fit. A lot of people feel guilty about it, but it can drastically reduce your pleasure in the flock. I would get rid of that bird, and get one that fits in better (or 2 or 3 more, you know chicken math). Your flock will be happier, and really your toddler will be safer..... nothing like a mean or aggressive bird can ruin the whole chicken experience for a kid.

mrs K

 

[donrae]

If you remove her, another bird will be the boss of the flock. Every group of animals has to have a boss. But, not every boss is mean. I honestly can't recall the last time I got bit by a chicken, unless you count messing with a broody hen.

If she's that young and causing that much stress in the flock, I'd sell her. You have plenty of space, and your birds are young enough that adding another couple won't be much of an issue.

Are you positive Pip is female?

 

[pathwandering]

Thanks for your replies. I got her from a reputable source, and I figured since she was 8 weeks that by then he would be able to tell, but here's a couple pictures of her.

 

[aart]

Need a closeup of it's comb.

I agree that if she's causing that much trouble that young and after 3 weeks integration......she'd be going back, maybe you can trade her back for another?

 

[pathwandering]

Here are some pics of her comb. It is hard to take pictures of these chickens! They are camera shy. Pip's comb is more pronounced and redder than the Olive Egger's, but the OE is 2 weeks younger, and I don't know what the brown layer breed was he used.