bridgioto
Hatching
- Oct 15, 2016
- 5
- 1
- 9
I recently got my first three chickens (two golden sex links and a barred rock)! Unfortunately, within the first few weeks, I noticed that the bigger golden sex link was picking on the smaller one. She managed to peck out a little chunk of feathers from this gal's back, so we separated this small hen to let her feathers grow back. The remaining two hens seem to have been getting along alright, until yesterday, when I went out to put them into their coop for the night. The bully had pecked a large patch of feathers off the barred rock, to the point that it looked bloody. My partner and I decided to separate the bully hen immediately to prevent further injuries. As soon as the small sex link and the barred rock were together though, the barred rock went after the small hen, pecking at her and pulling out some feathers. Now, we have all three separated in different areas of the run/coop.
I'm searching for any advice on what could be causing this behavior and to see if there's any way to get this little flock to get along!
Things I am currently looking into:
- hen saddles, to protect the backs of the two injured hens while they heal
- flock block or pecking toys to divert attention
- building an extra nesting box and more roosts to give them more space/options
- removing the original bully out of sight of the other hens for a week or so to shake up the pecking order
Current setup is a two-level coop (used to be a kids' play fort) with three nesting boxes on the top level, three feeders, a big metal font for water, and an enclosed run for them to scratch around outside.
If there's anything I'm overlooking or should try I'd love to hear any advice or suggestions!!
Thanks in advance
I'm searching for any advice on what could be causing this behavior and to see if there's any way to get this little flock to get along!
Things I am currently looking into:
- hen saddles, to protect the backs of the two injured hens while they heal
- flock block or pecking toys to divert attention
- building an extra nesting box and more roosts to give them more space/options
- removing the original bully out of sight of the other hens for a week or so to shake up the pecking order
Current setup is a two-level coop (used to be a kids' play fort) with three nesting boxes on the top level, three feeders, a big metal font for water, and an enclosed run for them to scratch around outside.
If there's anything I'm overlooking or should try I'd love to hear any advice or suggestions!!
Thanks in advance