I have a mixed flock of 7 hens and one rooster. 5 of the hens (3 Production Reds, 1 Easter Egger and 1 "Favaucana") were purchased as chicks in the spring of 2015. Two Wellsummer pullets and the rooster were added the summer of 2016. Until recently I'd say things were going pretty well. One of the reds was getting bald on her back and I fitted her with a chicken saddle, but everyone got along.
3 days ago I noticed that one of the otherReds was spending all her free ranging time off by herself
and was reluctant to go back into the pen. When I put her back in she was relentlessly chased by the rooster. Yesterday and today she escaped the pen and hid and when I put her back in she was chased not only by the rooster but by some of the hens as well. She'd crouch in the submissive posture but be pecked into running and then be chased all over my over-sized run. I scooped her up and put her in the garage in a dog crate.
Any advice?
3 days ago I noticed that one of the otherReds was spending all her free ranging time off by herself
and was reluctant to go back into the pen. When I put her back in she was relentlessly chased by the rooster. Yesterday and today she escaped the pen and hid and when I put her back in she was chased not only by the rooster but by some of the hens as well. She'd crouch in the submissive posture but be pecked into running and then be chased all over my over-sized run. I scooped her up and put her in the garage in a dog crate.
Any advice?