Should I butcher bullied hen

[ShiftyShickens]

no real way to be sure. mean chickens always need something to pick on is my experience though.

 

[ShiftyShickens]

in my early years before roosters a lot of the groups would work the pecking order until the big bad hen was established, and often if that hen doesn't like another particular girl then the whole group "would join" in per-say. a rooster makes the flock his, and he shows no favoritism when it comes to his ladies. it's how i gained peace in my flock over the years. hope that helps!

 

[ShiftyShickens]

before roosters i even had a poor girl trying to crow!

 

[Kenny_]

I say get a rooster. The girls may be happier and leave that plump one alone. I hate mean girls. lol

 

[Chickassan]

A roo might help, but they might just beat him up. You never know until you try! My bully hen beat up my roo for a while, now she is his favorite he likes it rough apparently.

 

[bobbi-j]

There is nothing wrong with butchering a chicken that's not fitting into your flock. There is no way of knowing how the others will react until you do. Personally, I think it's kinder to process her than rehome her to another flock.

 

[Stayc]

I wouldn't! No matter what u will have the lowest hen in the pecking order. If I'm out there and see the bullying i peck the perpetrators with my finger on their backs and tell them NO!! i also let my low girl in and coddle her and give her treats every night. It's become a ritual for me. Before long that low hen will be your best friend <3

 

[Stayc]

I wouldn't! No matter what u will have the lowest hen in the pecking order. If I'm out there and see the bullying i peck the perpetrators with my finger on their backs and tell them NO!! i also let my low girl in and coddle her and give her treats every night. It's become a ritual for me. Before long that low hen will be your best friend <3

Just to mention if you do correct the bullying. Chickens are smart and know when you are out there they can't dominate. I was tilling dirt for my hens today and my top hen bit my low hen so hard and so long like it was a mating ritual. I corrected the top hen and she didn't do it again. They will still have issues but the biggest issue by far is food. As long as you make sure low hen gets to eat, all will be fine.

 

[Lunafarmchickens]

My suggestion is to get rid of the one who is doing the most bullying, If u can figure out who it his. Or just take the her away for a bit to get an additude change. Also maybe get more perching space. How many nest boxes do u have? For 6 hens u should probably have at least 3. I hope everything works out for u!