Pecking order: Fair or Cruel?

[NoFlyBackFarm]

Could be that!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You said you introduced this single bird? Did the rest already know each other?

 

[bobbi-j]

The set up is pretty spacious for them. I have 8 hens. So, it’s not that many hens. I do have bushes that she sunbathes behind and little bowls of food around the yard.

"Pretty spacious" can mean different things to different people. How big in feet x feet is your coop? And your run?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Size of the bird doesn't dictate its place. One of my largest pullets is the absolute bottom of the pecking order. She has to eat last, roost on a lower rung, and while she's allowed in the fringes of the group, she'll get chased if she gets in the middle of the others. But the pecking has never gotten too bad - no blood drawn and no injuries other than a feather or two being pulled out. It might seem cruel, but it's natural for them, and as far as she's concerned, she's still part of the group.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Size of the bird doesn't dictate its place. One of my largest pullets is the absolute bottom of the pecking order. She has to eat last, roost on a lower rung, and while she's allowed in the fringes of the group, she'll get chased if she gets in the middle of the others. But the pecking has never gotten too bad - no blood drawn and no injuries other than a feather or two being pulled out. It might seem cruel, but it's natural for them, and as far as she's concerned, she's still part of the group.

Sounds just like my family. If you aren't being picked on you aren't a part of the group.

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

I actually introduced her with a Rhode Island Red that’s the same age. They seem to be mutual to each other but sometimes the rir will peck her.

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

I don’t know exactly how much but it’s about 7 by 6 feet.

 

[Luvs]

My flock picks on my only Easter egger also, (we lost one) to the point she has become pretty skiddish. One of her sisters stays pretty close to her, the other is kinda aloof.

 

[SugarChick]

That is way too small. Do you free range them at all. Thumb rule for run permanently in 10square feet per hen.

 

[Compost King]

Do you mean 6 by 7 feet for the coop or 6 by 7 feet for their total run area? for a Coop thats enough space for 10 birds, for a run thats enough space for 4 birds. Even that is maxing it out and some breeds need more than the general rule of thumb which is 4 sq feet per bird inside, 10 sq feet per bird outside. I sometimes over crowd them in a coop without a problem provided they have plenty of outside space and space under the coop to stay dry without being stuck inside. When you are mixing flocks or introducing new birds you need multiple spots for a bird to hide without getting cornered or trapped.