Pecking order? HELP

[jnjmanning]

I lost my whole flock to a raccoon, so while waiting to hatch more I was given a hen who was an egg eater. Two days later my brother in law gave me his 4 hens and rooster. Now the 4 hens are harassing my egg eater to death. She hasent eaten or drank all day due to running from these 4 hens. I know they have to set a pecking order, but how log will this last and when and how should I step in?

 

[folgerrd]

seperate her from the others now! chicken bullying is bad and a real issue. Sometimes they can draw blood and become cannibalistic. try putting her back in the coop while the others are sleeping

 

[jnjmanning]

I separated and put her back later after they slept, still the same today! Now I have her in a safe area in the yard, but she is all alone and very freaked out. The other hens can still see her but a fence separates them. Will they ever accept her?

 

[folgerrd]

They may or may not. If that didn't work I suggest putting her back and letting them develop the pecking order. Remove her as soon as blood is drawn. Also try and distract them with shiny, red or tasty things to peck at(while she's in there) to persuade them there are better things to be pecking at.