Outcast Hen

[schooner]

Hello:

One of my seven hens is being pecked at chased etc. by more than one of the other hens. She cant get to feed or water. Don't know what to do. Please help.

Thanks

 

[Judy]

Usually there is a "lead bully" if pecking is out of hand. If you can identify her, you can remove her for a week then return her. However, there will always be one at the bottom of the pecking order. Providing a second feeder and waterer may help. You may want to remove the one being attacked for short periods a couple of times a day for a few minutes, and let her eat and drink in peace -- if this doesn't seem to make them attack her more. If blood is not being drawn, you may not want to do anything.

Sometimes they sense that one is sick or weak in some way, and attack as a natural way of protecting the flock.