We had two groups of chickens: 17 "regular" chickens, (a mix of Buffs, Legs, Buttercups, Americanas, Lavender Orps and a Bard Rock) as well as 3 Bantams. No roosters. They each live in their respective coops with ample runs that are 100% covered/enclosed to keep predators out.
Over the last few weeks, one of the lovely Buff Orpingtons has been the target of a number of other chickens. It's gotten pretty bad to the extent that they'll pin her down and really peck at her. I don't understand why - but I guess that's why I'm a human and they're chickens. I don't believe she has any maladies (I've heard they can sense when one of the flock is sick or dying, and they move to extinguish said bird so disease won't spread). Fearing they would kill this Buff, my daughter and I snatched her up and re-homed her 15 feet away in with the Bantams. So far so good.
But is this a bad move? Are we disrupting "mother nature" and how chickens live? We assumed the Buff would be happier not running for her life all the time and now won't be picked on. She doesn't seem to be aggressive towards the Bantams of vise verse.
Curious what others would do or suggest. Thank you.
Jay
Over the last few weeks, one of the lovely Buff Orpingtons has been the target of a number of other chickens. It's gotten pretty bad to the extent that they'll pin her down and really peck at her. I don't understand why - but I guess that's why I'm a human and they're chickens. I don't believe she has any maladies (I've heard they can sense when one of the flock is sick or dying, and they move to extinguish said bird so disease won't spread). Fearing they would kill this Buff, my daughter and I snatched her up and re-homed her 15 feet away in with the Bantams. So far so good.
But is this a bad move? Are we disrupting "mother nature" and how chickens live? We assumed the Buff would be happier not running for her life all the time and now won't be picked on. She doesn't seem to be aggressive towards the Bantams of vise verse.
Curious what others would do or suggest. Thank you.
Jay