Possible bullying? Need insight.

[BigBlueHen53]

Crating actually accomplishes two things. It removes the bully out of the pecking order so she doesn't get a chance to continue her behavior, obviously. But it also gives the target a respite and helps build her confidence. It completely resets the pecking order. But that won't happen overnight. That's why crating the bully for 3 to 4 days/ nights seems to work so well. Our bully was at her worst at roosting time, so she got crated at night for sure. Glad yours is improving!

 

[RootedTogetherHomestead]

Crating actually accomplishes two things. It removes the bully out of the pecking order so she doesn't get a chance to continue her behavior, obviously. But it also gives the target a respite and helps build her confidence. It completely resets the pecking order. But that won't happen overnight. That's why crating the bully for 3 to 4 days/ nights seems to work so well. Our bully was at her worst at roosting time, so she got crated at night for sure. Glad yours is improving!

I will keep that in mind, thank you! We would probably put another dog crate in the henhouse so she would sleep in that. Surprisingly, our bully doesn't do much at roosting time.

She had been sleeping on the floor in the corner, but yesterday, we saw her up on the roost bar (this time by her bestie). The time before, when she roosted on the bar, Lavender was next to her bestie. I don't know if chickens can be jealous over stuff like that, but that's when this all started. Prior to that, they got along. After Lavender didn't move away from Marigold to let Sunshine by her, is when it all started. Lavender is already a very timid and shy bird; even as a chick, she would hide under their brooder plate if the other birds were being too rowdy. She retreats into their henhouse now when everyone gets all rowdy and excited.

 

[RootedTogetherHomestead]

Little update: Still not much chasing/darting. I even caught Lavender sunbathing. I guess that's a good sign if she feels safe enough to sunbathe!