I've got myself in a mess. I had 5 wonderful 6 week olds. They all love each other. No pecking order, yet. Share from the same bowl and sleep all snuggled together. Best of all the all love me.
But, I just couldn't wait for eggs. I just couldn't be patient.
I went and bought me a laying hen because I had to have eggs now! I just introduced her to my coop last week after she was quarantine. She now rules the coop with an iron wing. No one can eat till she gets her share. She doesn't like me - always screeches when I enter the coop. Worse is that she has plucked my poor Barred Rock's tail feathers, not bare, but a lot.
All my babies just cower in the corner of the coop till she goes to sleep. Then the get brave enough to eat and play.
My new hen has not drawn blood and I don't think any of my chicks lives are in danger, but they definitely are not as happy nor am I.
Here is my question. It has been a week. She does give me beautiful brown eggs - love them. But is it worth it? Will it get better? I am thinking of getting rid of her, but I am hoping it will improve. What do you think?

But, I just couldn't wait for eggs. I just couldn't be patient.

All my babies just cower in the corner of the coop till she goes to sleep. Then the get brave enough to eat and play.
My new hen has not drawn blood and I don't think any of my chicks lives are in danger, but they definitely are not as happy nor am I.
Here is my question. It has been a week. She does give me beautiful brown eggs - love them. But is it worth it? Will it get better? I am thinking of getting rid of her, but I am hoping it will improve. What do you think?