one tiny bantam bullied by big hens

[fladirtgirl]

I have 3 five month old pullets, an Australorp, gold Wyandotte and what appears to be a New Hampshire bantam. The bantam was sold to me as a RRR regular chicken. I kept wondering why she wasn't growing. I also have three 2 year old laying hens. The hens are pretty merciless in their bullying of all the young pullets, but especially the bantam. The bantam still cries like a chick almost constantly. She tries to seek shelter under the Australorp that is 4 times her size. The bantam is also unable to make it up to the sleeping quarters of the coop most nights and won't use the ladder. She eats and drinks. Her eyes are clear and looks healthy other than being the dinkiest chicken I've ever seen. I think that I have a mentally handicapped pullet. The hens may bully her to try to make her shut up. Has anyone else heard of this kind of behavior? Should I give her to someone with bantams only? Advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[klohman]

We have never had bantams for that exact reason. She would probably be better off being rehomed. I wanted banty's cause I thought they were cute, but was told by multiple people that they just won't integrate well into a full sized flock

 

[newmarch2014]

We have never had bantams for that exact reason. She would probably be better off being rehomed. I wanted banty's cause I thought they were cute, but was told by multiple people that they just won't integrate well into a full sized flock

Unfortunately they usually don't do well without birds of their own size, not known to be good ladder climbers. I would personally be looking to make a new Bantam flock and home in my yard or looking for someone that keeps Bantams to rehome to if I were in your situation.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I see no reason why a NH, whether bantam or full sized, wouldn't be able to climb, flap or fly its way up to a roost. That being said, her unwillingness to use the roost probably has more to do with the hens who already utilize it. If she's being bullied on the ground, then she's very likely being bullied when its time to go to bed as well. As a small bird, she's at a serious disadvantage. The fact that's she's a newcomer to an established flock isn't doing her any favors either.

The easiest solution would be to find a new home for her. But, consider that if you do rehome her, this entire process will start all over. She'll be the new girl coming into an already bonded, established flock. You might try separating her (with some wire, a good sized bird cage or a dog crate) off with one of the other pullets she's friends with. She needs to be in a place where the others can see her, but can't touch her. After she's been there a while, and the other birds don't seem keen on getting at her, let her and her buddy out. The other option is to leave things the way they are and let it run its course (if you've got ample space, hiding places and the others are drawing blood). That's what I would do, just let them work it out

Being a little lady in a flock of big girls, she'll probably always be at the bottom of the pecking order. But, eventually the bullying should ease up and she should be able to coexist with the other birds.
In the end, what you do with her is up to you. Best if luck

 

[TalkALittle]

What's your setup like? I have two bantam hens with my 8 standard hens and they do pretty well but I've taken some extra measures. I put an extra roost in the run, created a blind in the run where they can see but can't be seen, created some narrow escape routes the big girls can't fit through, made 1 nest box with a bantam sized opening, and gave them a separate smaller roost of their own in the coop. They also get to free range some each day. It helps that there are 2 of them. They stick together and keep to themselves.

I think if you can make accommodations so she can be safe and maybe get her a bantam friend or two it could work. Otherwise she'd probably be happier in a different home.

 

[TalkALittle]

Oh, I also provided an extra feeding station accessible from a roost. The bantams use it but the big girls don't seem to notice it's there so leave them to eat in peace.

 

[fladirtgirl]

I found a home for her with a flock of bantams and will deliver her there today.
Thanks to all for the wonderful advice. Lucy appreciates it too.

 

[newmarch2014]

I found a home for her with a flock of bantams and will deliver her there today.
Thanks to all for the wonderful advice. Lucy appreciates it too.

The lady that does Fresheggsdaily blog had to do the same thing, her little rehome is doing fabulously in her new home so I hope it works out for Lucy as well.