One chicken being bullied

[jetmek94]

I'm sure there is a post about this somewhere, but I am going to ask for help. I have 1year old blue australorp hen (Georgia) who can't catch a break. Even from her sister. The two have been together since they were three days old. I also have 2 easter eggers who are 4 years old and 2 black australorps who are 3 years old. Integration has gone as to be expected. In the last couple of weeks I have notice 3 of the girls including her sister will go after her head and neck. Georgia wants to be part of the flock, but gosh darn it! I shocked her sister attacks her. For example today they were eating their treat and her sister pecked her eyelid and made it bleed. I spread the food and treats out so there are several feeding and watering stations to choose from. I have several different areas for shade and egg laying. They have a big wooden coop and and omlet to go between. They have a large run as well. When I get home from work they have access to the rest of the yard and patio which is very large. Dust bathing is an issue too. Georgia no more than waits her turn and as soon as she starts she is move out by the other girls. Georgia is so loving and enjoys human contact. I would separate the bully but there is more than one. Does any one have any thoughts. They have high quality feed, oyster shell and grit. 3 food stations 3 watering stations. I was having the younger girls sleep separate in the omlet and the older girls in the wood coop, but once I saw her sister go after her I moved everyone into the large wood coop. I even put a camera in the sleeping are so I could watch them, but I have to sleep too. lol. The attacks are not constant, but enough that her I notice her head is where they get her. Does anyone have any thoughts.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

I would separate the bullied hen from the rest of the flock. I have never have a severely bullied hen so hopefully someone else can give more advice

 

[Bawkbok]

I'm so sorry this is happening to your girl. I don't have any advice as we are also dealing with a bullied victim situation - a much smaller flock- so I'm going to watch this thread to see what advice others have to offer. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Mrs. K]

I would get pin less peepers and put them on all of them except the victim. This can get to be a relentless habit. You sound confident that there is enough room, but often times this behaviors does come from not enough room.

Can you post pictures? That might help us give better advice. As you have noticed, being raised together has no influence on adult behavior.

Another idea - is to separate the night roost with a piece of cardboard. You can tape it to the ceiling, or even run it through the roost to help support it. If a bird is out of sight, they are out of mind.

Mrs K

 

[LaFleche]

Is she perhaps showing signs of broodiness? In flocks without rooster this can lead to severe attacks against a lowest ranking hen.