Hi All, I am very happy to have found this site and forum. I am new to the chicken world, and I appreciate any and all advice from the more seasoned poultry-teers. I began my little flock with 2 Barred Rocks and 1 Rhode Island Red born March 17. We were foraging in the backyard last weekend (they were still living inside) when they were startled by a dog and flew away. I found 1 of the Barred Rocks, but after hours of distraught searching, I couldn't locate the other two. I susequently purchased another Rhodie and a White Rock. But then lo and Behold, the other girls found their way home within a day or two! The BR had clearly had a run-in with a cat or ?...because her back feathers were torn out and she was bleeding. She was at the top of the pecking order and not at ALL pleased to find two new hens in her house. She became VERY aggressive, pulling the new hens around by the neck and pecking them violently. Also, the hens began pecking at her bare back, making her bleed yet again. I isolated her so she could heal properly. Now the other 4 hens are snug in their new coop, and she is still living inside. I hate to keep her all alone, and my question is...how long should I wait for: A) the pecking order to re-establish so that she is less aggressive (the White Rock is now at the top) towards the newer gals, and: B) do her feathers need to be grown back all the way, or is she safe as long as she has no open wounds? I read so much and thought I was so prepared...but this was a turn of events I never anticipated. Of course I want to do what's best for the girls, so any advice is welcome and very much appreciated.
