So, do new layers ever chill out over resource guarding?

[BlindLemonChicken]

Imagining that GIF but with chickens.

Salmon Faverolles are Adam Sandler going “stop it you guys-you’re scaring me!” Rhode Island Reds are the Hot-dog-on-a-stick girls. David Spade is dating an abusive rooster

 

[BoundlessLove]

Does the water gun break it up or does she get squawky and gripe alot?

My brown leghorns started out being bullies. The hens have mellowed out now that they are older. Still squawky.
But, sheesh!
The BL cockerels didn’t last long.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Welp, it's already escalated from "get away from me while I'm eating" to "get away from me, period." I'll post a snippet of this behavior. Dandelion (the aggressor) is the buff bird on the far left. Clover (the recipient) is the black and white bird closest to her. Dandelion had already kicked her out of the group dust bath, so Clover had been resting alone in that spot for a while.

This is the 2nd bird Dandelion's done this to. There's no rest for her target. Dandy's a busy bird that moves about the pen all day, and you better give her a wide berth. Thankfully, the other two pullets pull rank on her, and they're not nearly as fanatic about pecking order.

I'm so sick of these birds.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Welp, it's already escalated from "get away from me while I'm eating" to "get away from me, period." I'll post a snippet of this behavior. Dandelion (the aggressor) is the buff bird on the far left. Clover (the recipient) is the black and white bird closest to her. Dandelion had already kicked her out of the group dust bath, so Clover had been resting alone in that spot for a while.

If that video is how they are most of the day, I personally don't find the dynamic to be problematic. Dandelion said "go away" and Clover did, it didn't continue on to a full fight, chasing, bloody injuries, etc.

If you want peaceful pets chickens aren't it. I hear random screaming from my flock at points during the day but the worst I see is a few feathers being yanked, which I can live with.

 

[kattabelly]

I don't see anything worrying in that video either.

Their run looks quite empty though, especially if they're in there all the time. Could you add a load more clutter so they have more things to keep busy with and also more places to avoid other chickens if they want to?

 

[thecatumbrella]

If that video is how they are most of the day, I personally don't find the dynamic to be problematic. Dandelion said "go away" and Clover did, it didn't continue on to a full fight, chasing, bloody injuries, etc.

If you want peaceful pets chickens aren't it. I hear random screaming from my flock at points during the day but the worst I see is a few feathers being yanked, which I can live with.

Dandelion's very good about keeping things within pecking order norms (despite being pretty hardcore about it). I had to euthanize her former target a week ago (bird with neurological issues), so it's disappointing that she moved on to someone else. And of course it's Clover, the last of my sickly birds, with her swollen eye and bum leg.

Based on your response, I'm guessing Dandelion will likely keep this up? It would be nice if she could tone it down once her hormones settle a bit. I won't hold my breath though.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I don't see anything worrying in that video either.

Their run looks quite empty though, especially if they're in there all the time. Could you add a load more clutter so they have more things to keep busy with and also more places to avoid other chickens if they want to?

Not worrying, just annoying. Dandelion's a big meaty girl with lots of resources. Clover can barely see and walk. I understand chickens will be chickens, but it's still hard to watch them act like jerks.

As for the run being empty, I'm not sure what to tell you. The giant runway on the left is the only place my husband can walk without crashing into things, and it's loaded with forage-able pellets mixed into the mulch each morning. Keeps them busy half the day working it out. The left wall is also a grow through for chicken-safe plants to snack on. They have two dig boxes with food toys, a massive jungle gym in the back with with multiple floating feed stations, a regular feeder, a challenge feeder they have to peck to release crumble, and the giant green poop collector bench. Dig box walls are low right now because of Clover's leg (she needs to be able to get out if Dandelion goes in). Normally they're quite high and provide more privacy.

I completely understand your point on clutter, but I feel it's a tad unfair to categorize my run as "quite empty". I do appreciate your input.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Welp, it's already escalated from "get away from me while I'm eating" to "get away from me, period." I'll post a snippet of this behavior. Dandelion (the aggressor) is the buff bird on the far left. Clover (the recipient) is the black and white bird closest to her. Dandelion had already kicked her out of the group dust bath, so Clover had been resting alone in that spot for a while.

This is the 2nd bird Dandelion's done this to. There's no rest for her target. Dandy's a busy bird that moves about the pen all day, and you better give her a wide berth. Thankfully, the other two pullets pull rank on her, and they're not nearly as fanatic about pecking order.

I'm so sick of these birds.

It sounds like it's only Dandelion that's the instigator. Why not just rehome or otherwise eliminate her from the flock and see if you then enjoy the other birds more?

 

[thecatumbrella]

It sounds like it's only Dandelion that's the instigator. Why not just rehome or otherwise eliminate her from the flock and see if you then enjoy the other birds more?

I am running out of birds!

Ordered 8. One didn't survive the extra day in the mail. One was euthanized last week because of her neurological disorder. One was rehomed because her only saving grace was being friends with the neurological bird (and had the same disorder herself). One was rehomed because she lost her mind at point of lay. Seriously. We did chicken jail for a week, and when I let her out, she went on a rampage against the entire flock. The only chickens that can tolerate her in her new (free range) home are the cockerels!

So I'm down to 4. I'm a bit worried about them surviving the winter together as bantams. Dandelion has the most meat for body heat. I'm also concerned about Clover surviving long term. She has so many ailments and is clearly a weak bird.

This flock has been a ride...

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Is it possible that, at least at the moment, Dandelion is being bossy rather than a bully? I agree with the others that the video looks pretty typical.

Does Clover have any age-mates left?