Many times, especially with first time owners, is what is enough room for chicks, is not enough room for full size birds. As the birds mature, they need more space, and can become quite aggressive.
Wishing birds would just be nice, really does not work. I always solve for the peace of the flock. Sometimes I have found it is the victim and sometimes it is the bully, but aggressive behavior will dramatically decrease your pleasure in the birds, so you need to do something about it.
Measure your space - not enough, then you need to make bigger or reduce the flock. Try pulling out the victim... how does the flock act, is the tension gone? If not, try pulling out the bully... wait a day or two and see. Sometimes I am not sure if it is which bird that is pulled, or simply that you have reduced the number of birds, but sometimes it is a particular bird that is not fitting into your flock, for whatever reason. Sometimes cull both the victim and the bully.
Once I had coons reduce my numbers, within days I noticed a tremendous decrease in the tension of the flock. I had not really even been aware of the tension before, but once it was gone, it was very noticeable. I am now very aware of tension in the flock. Get rid of it, and the most efficient way is to get rid of the birds involved. Count heads, and know that this is a better fit for your set up.
I know many of you hate to cull, but I am telling you a happy flock is worth it.
Mrs K
Wishing birds would just be nice, really does not work. I always solve for the peace of the flock. Sometimes I have found it is the victim and sometimes it is the bully, but aggressive behavior will dramatically decrease your pleasure in the birds, so you need to do something about it.
Measure your space - not enough, then you need to make bigger or reduce the flock. Try pulling out the victim... how does the flock act, is the tension gone? If not, try pulling out the bully... wait a day or two and see. Sometimes I am not sure if it is which bird that is pulled, or simply that you have reduced the number of birds, but sometimes it is a particular bird that is not fitting into your flock, for whatever reason. Sometimes cull both the victim and the bully.
Once I had coons reduce my numbers, within days I noticed a tremendous decrease in the tension of the flock. I had not really even been aware of the tension before, but once it was gone, it was very noticeable. I am now very aware of tension in the flock. Get rid of it, and the most efficient way is to get rid of the birds involved. Count heads, and know that this is a better fit for your set up.
I know many of you hate to cull, but I am telling you a happy flock is worth it.
Mrs K
