pecking order

[EggresiveAli]

Hey guys new to BYC. I have 1 light Sussex (daisy) 1 bluebell ( Bella) 1 Nero (Nero) 1 speckeldy (Dot) Bella, Dot & Nero were brought home last February but Daisy was added in July. They're all 11 months old. Bella is top of the pecking order but when I went down yesterday Bella had jumped on top of Daisy pinning her to the ground and flapping her wings but not pecking. Daisy was just sitting tight closing her eyes. I shouted so Bella would get off. Is this normal? Thanks in advance

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us! What you described sounds like a display of dominance. It's normal, but keep an eye on them in case it gets out of hand.

 

[EggresiveAli]

Thanks for help. Its never happened before she's been pecked before but never this

 

[BantamFan4Life]

 

[EggresiveAli]

Thanks bantam4life

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! If the dominant one draws blood remove the injured hen immediately, good luck to you.

 

[EggresiveAli]

It's not quite aggressive though

 

[drumstick diva]

are you sure Bella is a pullet? Before you add new birds to an existing flock, it's best to put some wire fencing to divide the run and have the new bird(s) on one side and the flock on the other. After several days of this, they get somewhat used to each other. You can then add the newbies to the flock but, keep an eye on them to see if Bella starts up again. It's good to have the birds in a large run or free ranging so the new one can run away or hide if she is bothered too much. Also have an extra water and feed put out - if case they won't share.

 

[sourland]

drumstickdiva raises a good question. Welcome to BYC.

 

[EggresiveAli]

Thanks everyone. Bella is a pullet and daisy Rarely gets pecked