Pecking order has changed...

[MarkJP]

Well, our 8 chickens had been doing well. We are into our second year with them. We have a mixed flock. One of the larger birds (fairly dominant) went broody, so after reading some of the options, we decided to put her in a wire cage w/food and water for a few days. When she was let out, we had a second one go broody, so we did the same thing. The first one is now the low bird on the totem pole and is chased out of the run and away from all food and water. When I give the flock an afternoon snack of scratch, she'll come down from the roost where she hides to grab some food. Well, that doesn't last long since the others are unmerciful to her. This has been going on for three days now. I've tried to put food and water in the coop, and the others come to investigate. She just stays up on the roost and will not come out. Even the smallest hens go after her. This morning I read that it is recommended to cage her again and let the flock get 'used' to her again. I'm not sure if this will work, but at least she'd have food and water. What do you folks recommend?

 

[aart]

Ooo, that's a toughy!
Broodies can be ostracized for acting 'differently',
it usually works out pretty quickly, but not eating/drinking is cause for concern.

Where was the breaker crate kept, within sight of the flock?
Always best to keep a segregated bird within sight of the flock.

What does your coop and run look like?
Pics would help here.
Lots of space is always good, and some 'clutter' for diversions can help the bullied get out of the way.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

This might help too:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

 

[Birdie mom]

Keep her where the flock can see her but can't touch her. You could fence off a part or the coop for her to run around in without the others hurting her. Taking her away completely will make matters worse. Usually after a while things will be back to normal.

I took in a pair of roosters from our friends a while ago, and our boss rooster was not happy about it. He would chase these two guys all around the coop and run. They would hide in the nesting boxes and on the roosts all day, but slowly they are now exempted into the flock.

Make sure your hen is able to have food and water. You could hang up a bucket of water in the wall next to the roosts so she ca reach it.

Good luck

 

[MarkJP]

Ooo, that's a toughy!
Broodies can be ostracized for acting 'differently',
it usually works out pretty quickly, but not eating/drinking is cause for concern.

Where was the breaker crate kept, within sight of the flock?
Always best to keep a segregated bird within sight of the flock.

What does your coop and run look like?
Pics would help here.
Lots of space is always good, and some 'clutter' for diversions can help the bullied get out of the way.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

This might help too:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

Thanks for your response aart. We kept her in a wire pet cage inside the run with the other chickens, with food and water and she did well. Once released she did not go back to the nesting box and we thought all was well. We had a 2nd hen become broody and did the same for her. The coop is sized for 8 chickens. That is what we have, with 3 nesting boxes hanging off the side of the coop. There's a ramp down to the small run under the coop and in front of the coop, so maybe that area is about 4'x9' or so. I decided we needed more space for them so I purchased a kit for a large run that is approx. 8' x 13' with a door that stays open, so there is quite a bit of room for them to roam. I have a tire that they have dug a nice dusting pit into along with 2 stumps, one small (1') tall and one about 2' tall. I also have a hanging suet feeder for them to peck at. So now, the first broody hen is really being chased all around. I try to give them their afternoon snack of scratch and that distracts the other chickens for a minute or so and the one in the coop tries to sneak down to eat...and not the scratch, but the regular feed. She gets chased away immediately. Not sure if I should put her back in a pet cage just so she can get some peace along with food and water. I did put food and water inside the coop, but I don't think she's touched it. Of course, every time I add food/water, the others have to barge in to see what's going wrong. Not sure what to do next.

 

[MarkJP]

Ooo, that's a toughy!
Broodies can be ostracized for acting 'differently',
it usually works out pretty quickly, but not eating/drinking is cause for concern.

Where was the breaker crate kept, within sight of the flock?
Always best to keep a segregated bird within sight of the flock.

What does your coop and run look like?
Pics would help here.
Lots of space is always good, and some 'clutter' for diversions can help the bullied get out of the way.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

This might help too:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

aart, I think the second link you sent on chickens being bullied is the best. I'm going to put her back in the pet cage for a while and try that. At least she'll have a break from the bullies and be able to eat and drink! Thank you very much. I appreciate your help.