Question about behavior

[lurch1014]

Will chickens pick on the runt/smallest of all the chickens?

 

[Pork Pie]

Will chickens pick on the runt/smallest of all the chickens?

There's a difference between a smaller breed and a runt. A runt may be more likely to be at the bottom of the pecking order, yes. Having said that, there's always gotta be one bird that the bottom of the pecking order. As long that particular bird is still part of the flock and can access food, nest boxes and roost space then its just the natural order of things in chicken society.

 

[lurch1014]

There's a difference between a smaller breed and a runt. A runt may be more likely to be at the bottom of the pecking order, yes. Having said that, there's always gotta be one bird that the bottom of the pecking order. As long that particular bird is still part of the flock and can access food, nest boxes and roost space then its just the natural order of things in chicken society. 

well it is a smaller breed not a runt I suppose. It does have access to food etc. Just seems to get bullied a lot.

 

[Pork Pie]

Do you free range or keep them confined? Knowing the numbers, space in both coop and run would be helpful. Either way, multiple feed stations and obstacles (so the victim can get out of eye-sight of the other flock members) can help.

 

[lurch1014]

They are somewhat confined. We don't allow them to free roam because it's dangerous for them to in this area. But I recently expanded the yard/run area of the coop so space is no longer a problem. And they always have lots of feed and scratch etc. I think space was a issue before the expansion.

 

[Pork Pie]

They are somewhat confined. We don't allow them to free roam because it's dangerous for them to in this area. But I recently expanded the yard/run area of the coop so space is no longer a problem. And they always have lots of feed and scratch etc. I think space was a issue before the expansion.

Sounds like you got it sorted then