Pullet nasty to chicks

[redinator]

At least they aren't all initial aggressors.

I think it's because she the lowest ranking and wants the chicks to know she's above them in the pecking order. She just being really nasty about getting her point across.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I think it's because she the lowest ranking and wants the chicks to know she's above them in the pecking order. She just being really nasty about getting her point across.

I agree. I was just talking about this in one of my threads. Some lower ranked chickens just can't handle being at/near the bottom. I had a "gentle" 9 week-old pekin bantam try to kill 3 week-old chicks through hardware mesh. She later turned into a massive bully towards her own flock (and me)! She was also a rehome. Got super lucky to find a bantam free-range flock with livestock guardian dogs. Now she's great and hangs out with the roos all day!

 

[ChickenChick46]

I think it's because she the lowest ranking and wants the chicks to know she's above them in the pecking order. She just being really nasty about getting her point across.

Yeah most likely. She's not willing to concede her spot.

 

[redinator]

I agree. I was just talking about this in one of my threads. Some lower ranked chickens just can't handle being at/near the bottom. I had a "gentle" 9 week-old pekin bantam try to kill 3 week-old chicks through hardware mesh. She later turned into a massive bully towards her own flock (and me)! She was also a rehome. Got super lucky to find a bantam free-range flock with livestock guardian dogs. Now she's great and hangs out with the roos all day!

That's the sort of thing I'm worried about. If it's always going to be a problem everytime I hatch or buy chicks it might be best to remove her from the flock. I also wouldn't want to hatch chicks from an aggressive hen, just as I wouldn't from a rooster.

 

[theoldchick]

You can try pinless peepers on the mean chicken.

 

[redinator]

You can try pinless peepers on the mean chicken. View attachment 4205009

Okay . . I've been looking for a good reason to say the line for awhile now . . .

What the cluck?

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Okay . . I've been looking for a good reason to say the line for awhile now . . .

What the cluck?

They do often work. Literally, out of sight, out of mind.

 

[redinator]

They do often work. Literally, out of sight, out of mind.

But, can they see to eat? Does she need them forever? I'll try anything once, I guess?!

 

[Mother of Chaos]

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.

I completely realize how ridiculous this sounds, but the squirt gun really did work on our Barred Rock. (Who promptly went broody instead.)

She has maybe been broken (we'll find out tonight), and she's still a little over the top with the newbies, but she's much better than she was.

This only works if you're at home during the day, of course, and able to be outside often, but I'll admit that it was awfully satisfying:

 

[redinator]

I completely realize how ridiculous this sounds, but the squirt gun really did work on our Barred Rock. (Who promptly went broody instead.)

She has maybe been broken (we'll find out tonight), and she's still a little over the top with the newbies, but she's much better than she was.

This only works if you're at home during the day, of course, and able to be outside often, but I'll admit that it was awfully satisfying:

View attachment 4205185

I have taken a hose (not on jet or anything, just a medium spray) to my cockerels when they were trying to kill each other. I won that argument, lol.

I've also "made it rain" on stubborn chickens when the refused to go back in the run after I rearranged a few things (I tried treats and luring, but the next night they'd roost in the main yard, they were playing me for treats, lol).

I guess they get too busy drying themselves off to be bothered with anything else, so not an insane idea at all.