Pullet bullying only one other...

[ChickNanny13]

I have 2 RIR & 2 AM/EE (purchased as Ameraucana, you all say EE) pullets, all 15wks. When they were chicks Dusk was bigger & top chick, with Rojo & Ehu following & Tawny seemed to be the bottom of the totem pole until they were about 6 - 8wks then the dynamics changed.

The pecking order then changed to Tawny, Rojo, Ehu, Dusk....Tawny & Rojo hang out together while Ehu & Dusk hang out although there are times Rojo & Ehu are grubbing together and Tawny & Dusk will be seen together. However, Tawny will turn & pick on Dusk, even sneak attack when Dusk is grubbing. They all chest bump but it's very obvious that Tawny LOVES to torment & bully Dusk. Tawny stands "guard" & always the first to eat, Dusk/Ehu are always the first to enter the coop at night, Rojo & Tawny need to be coaxed to go in.

Hubby's getting upset with Tawny for always & only picking/bullying/sneak attack Dusk. So far no injuries (although Hubby's ready to deal with Tawny), I know they need to work it out & it's part of their social pecking order. I'm letting it go for now but really hate to see Dusk "picked" on. She's a sweet, yes she's flighty & most timid of them all.

The last bunch of pullets I had (3 Wyndottes & 1 EE) the EE was top dog until one day one of the Wyndottes went with full on rebuttal! It was shock & funny to see but that put Topaz in her place. After that, no more picking or bulling....I'm hoping Dusk will stand her ground with Tawny.

Am I missing something?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi,
I don't think so. It could be an idea to separate the tormentor for a few days, but to be honest, as long as no blood is being drawn, i'd leave them to it. Some chickens are just mean - period. And she may get over her nasty phase, or the victim could give her what for one of these days, as with your last flock.

All the best
CT

 

[Lady of McCamley]

x2

Which breed is picking on whom? I got lost in the names.

If it is the RIR, they do tend to be aggressive, and if it is towards the EE, it can be because of the difference in appearance (beard/muff).

I agree...if no blood is drawn and no one is being hazed to the point of being unable to eat or drink, it has to run its course.

If the dominant one is really being a pickle, giving her a time out for a few days then re-introducing her to the flock usually knocks them down a peg.

But likely things will change again as the others catch up in growth. They can get quite snotty as the hormones kick in, and RIR's tend to mature more quickly than EE's.

LofMc

 

[ChickNanny13]

x2

Which breed is picking on whom? I got lost in the names.

If it is the RIR, they do tend to be aggressive, and if it is towards the EE, it can be because of the difference in appearance (beard/muff).

I agree...if no blood is drawn and no one is being hazed to the point of being unable to eat or drink, it has to run its course.

If the dominant one is really being a pickle, giving her a time out for a few days then re-introducing her to the flock usually knocks them down a peg.

But likely things will change again as the others catch up in growth. They can get quite snotty as the hormones kick in, and RIR's tend to mature more quickly than EE's.

LofMc

It's the light colored EE bullying the darker EE....I thought I'd have problems with the RIR but they're pretty mellow.

I figured I'd let them continue (hoping the timid one will one day turn on the bully) to work it out being that it's not as bad as Hubby perceive it but I will time out IF it gets nasty.

One of the RIR comb is bigger and gets red at times, think she's going to be the first to lay.

Thank you all for your input and verifying my thoughts.....Hubby's just over reacting

 

[Pork Pie]

You are most welcome!

Hope everything turns out ok

CT