Success stories about resetting pecking order?

[Buffbrahmabantam]

Has anyone had real-life success with reestablishing the pecking order by isolating an aggressive hen? If yes, how long did you isolate the bully?

Background: We have a bantam hen (8 yrs old), near the bottom of the pecking order. Last summer, when our flock leader, a buff orpington (8 yrs old), was sick, the bantam fought and won dominance over her. We were shocked because the bantam was at the bottom, and the orpington at the top of the pecking order. The buff orpington later died from her sickness. Now we have a new cockerel mating the new flock leader, a lavender orpington (5 yrs old). I just saw the bantam aggressively pecking the lavender orpington flock leader during mating -twice in about a 15 minute period. I am thinking of separating the bantam and seeing if that restores her to her near-bottom status, which is peaceful. I'd like to know if anyone has succeeded with this method - isolating a bully to put her back in her place in the pecking order.

They have plenty of room. We have 6 hens and 1 cockerel who sleep in a 2 1/2 car garage, and pretty much free range during the day, as much as the weather allows.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I just saw the bantam aggressively pecking the lavender orpington flock leader during mating -twice in about a 15 minute period.

I wouldn’t separate for this. Unless someone is bleeding pr starving I let the chickens sort it out—especially because you have plenty of space. Additionally, the Lavender is probably three times the size of the bantam so things are likely to even out even if the Lavender doesn’t decide to fight back. The rooster should be the one to settle it, not you. How does he act during these little episodes?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I just re-read that. If he is still young he might need time to figure out what to do. So I would give him a chance. If you remove the bantam she is more likely to be injured when she is returned to the flock. The minor scuffles you’re dealing with now would be preferable in my opinion

 

[FrostRanger]

Her behavior sounds more like normal pecking order stuff rather than bullying. Interfering may cause more harm than good here, I'd just let them sort it out amongst themselves and would only step in if someone is getting hurt. Sure, it isn't pretty but once things get established, it will be more peaceful