Pecking

[Taj Mama]

I have 17 hens. Several of them are pecking one particular bird when on the roost. This seems to be a new problem. Because it's extreme, I wonder if I should be separating the pecked on bird. Or is there something else I can do. I am concerned they will peck her to death.

 

[Judy]

The trouble with separating her is she will be at the bottom of the pecking order when you return her. Ideally you separate the one or two bullies for several days, for the same reason, but it sounds like you have a group of them. You could always get some pinless peepers. Or, try more space and more distractions such as outdoor perches, things to jump and climb on, places to hide, extra feeders and waterers scattered around, a hanging cabbage or other treat, etc. If you can possibly give them a larger forage area with grass and weeds, this is often a solution.