Pullet nasty to chicks

[redinator]

I have a batch of 26 chicks I've been trying to integrate for over a month, they are now 7 and 8 week olds. After the first two weeks most of the flock has left the chicks alone unless they stuck their heads in the same pile of feed or treats. I'm using the same method that I used the last time which worked wonders, here's the link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/integration-phase-one-complete-whats-next.1661723/

This time I have one low ranking pullet that, regardless of what food is on offer will relentlessly chase and attempt to corner the chicks. I'm always standing guard so she gets a shove with the shrub rake, but doesn't care, she continues to chase the chicks. When she gets the chicks riled up the other pullets will join in the chase.

The last two times I separated her while working on integration. The other chickens left the chicks alone unless they got under foot or tried eating from the same pile of food, they only give them a peck and chase them off, but they don't pursue them.

I think I already know the answer but I figured I'd ask just in case anyone has suggestions on what to do. I thought about selling her, or even giving her away, but I wouldn't want to off load my problems on someone else. She's a nearly 5 month old RIR pullet.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Have you separated her for a few days yet?

 

[ChickenChick46]

My friend and I were just discussing red birds and what in the world goes on with them. I know someone who has what is likely a production red, and the hen attacked her and her not even year old daughter, while she was holding her daughter. I've heard so many horror stories about RIRs, production reds, red stars, red sex links, etc. and I wonder how many are the same or similar birds just with different names depending on hatchery. But I digress. And I'm so new maybe I really don't know what I'm talking about, haha. I have no doubts there are good ones out there, but I've seen so many similar tales of caution about those breeds. The 2 my friend has right now will bite her hand and hold on tight. She can lift them off the ground... They will be culled soon.

Maybe you could still rehome her, just be upfront about her behavior. That way nothing can come back on you. If not, you may have to consider culling her. But I'm sure that's a very tough decision when you've raised her.

 

[The Moonshiner]

My friend and I were just discussing red birds and what in the world goes on with them.

I've heard so many horror stories about RIRs, production reds, red stars, red sex links, etc.

I think it's because they used red 40 back in the day to make them.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I thought about selling her, or even giving her away, but I wouldn't want to off load my problems on someone else. She's a nearly 5 month old RIR pullet.

I rehomed a red sex-link at around the same age. Everyone will want a newly laying pullet, so you'll have your choice of homes. You do need to be very selective. They do best in a free range environment with someone that has experience and an integration plan. It might be worth putting feelers out? If nothing feels right, give them the old "I'll get back to you" and keep going with her. But most bullies will easily be reformed in a new flock with cockerels. Mine is living her best life, and my flock was harmonious without her.

Sorry she's having such a hard time with the newbies.

 

[redinator]

Have you separated her for a few days yet?

From the flock completely? No, only while having the chicks with the older chickens.

 

[ChickenChick46]

I think it's because they used red 40 back in the day to make them.

That must be it.

 

[redinator]

I rehomed a red sex-link at around the same age. Everyone will want a newly laying pullet, so you'll have your choice of homes. You do need to be very selective. They do best in a free range environment with someone that has experience and an integration plan. It might be worth putting feelers out? If nothing feels right, give them the old "I'll get back to you" and keep going with her. But most bullies will easily be reformed in a new flock with cockerels. Mine is living her best life, and my flock was harmonious without her.

Sorry she's having such a hard time with the newbies.

I'm thinking she might be a good fit for someone that only has/buys laying hens and doesn't plan to hatch or brood chicks. So it might be an option.

 

[redinator]

My friend and I were just discussing red birds and what in the world goes on with them. I know someone who has what is likely a production red, and the hen attacked her and her not even year old daughter, while she was holding her daughter. I've heard so many horror stories about RIRs, production reds, red stars, red sex links, etc. and I wonder how many are the same or similar birds just with different names depending on hatchery. But I digress. And I'm so new maybe I really don't know what I'm talking about, haha. I have no doubts there are good ones out there, but I've seen so many similar tales of caution about those breeds. The 2 my friend has right now will bite her hand and hold on tight. She can lift them off the ground... They will be culled soon.

Maybe you could still rehome her, just be upfront about her behavior. That way nothing can come back on you. If not, you may have to consider culling her. But I'm sure that's a very tough decision when you've raised her.

I have 4 other RIR pullets the same age (and a Buff Orpington) and they don't seem to care unless she gets the riled up.

 

[ChickenChick46]

I have 4 other RIR pullets the same age (and a Buff Orpington) and they don't seem to care unless she gets the riled up.

At least they aren't all initial aggressors.