I only have four hens. Started with two in October and then adopted two just over a month ago. The EEs are roughly a year older than my other girls.
Of course there's been an adjustment period while everyone sorts out where they are in the pecking order. I was ready for it and tried my best to make it as easy as possible for all involved. It's settled down a lot after much fluffing, flapping, strange sounds, rushing about, stink eye and posturing. BUT...one of the new EEs just won't leave my sweet Java alone. She goes after her head whenever she gets a chance and is relentless about it.
Jo, the mottled java is my favorite girl and I'm starting to resent Bop, the EE for her behavior. I guess I'm looking for some assurances that this is going to work out and stop eventually. Bop is in serious danger of ending up in the oven.
From left to right: Jo, Lucky, Bip and Bop
Not a great picture...Jo is blurry cuz she is trying to eat her scratch as fast as possible because Bop is coming in fast from the right to peck her.
Of course there's been an adjustment period while everyone sorts out where they are in the pecking order. I was ready for it and tried my best to make it as easy as possible for all involved. It's settled down a lot after much fluffing, flapping, strange sounds, rushing about, stink eye and posturing. BUT...one of the new EEs just won't leave my sweet Java alone. She goes after her head whenever she gets a chance and is relentless about it.
Jo, the mottled java is my favorite girl and I'm starting to resent Bop, the EE for her behavior. I guess I'm looking for some assurances that this is going to work out and stop eventually. Bop is in serious danger of ending up in the oven.

From left to right: Jo, Lucky, Bip and Bop
Not a great picture...Jo is blurry cuz she is trying to eat her scratch as fast as possible because Bop is coming in fast from the right to peck her.