Water Gun Vs The Bully

[NatalieP]

Had anyone tried to use a water gun to correct bullying? Does it work? If it did, how long did it take to notice a difference?

I'm dealing with 2 bullies in my flock of 5. They (red sex link and speckled sussex) are consistently beating up on the small one (cream legbar). Last week they drew blood (on her comb) and I saw a bite on her wattle. The sussex aims for her body and legs. The red sex link aims for her comb and face.

They recently-ish started laying (5 and a half months old now) and I've implemented enrichment (hanging food, spreading treats, they were free ranging ALL day yesterday) and they are still relentless. I did change their feed (grower to layer) and no predator close calls or anything. I followed all the guidance for sizing the run and coop for 6 chickens (run could handle more technically).

 

[MarkJr]

I find it works well.

I also find they pick up right away that ‘two legged bringer of snacks’ has the water gun. Takes a squirt or two and they are princesses while you are present.

Look up the article on how to fix bully behavior. It focuses on getting the bullied animal up to par and self reliant vs punishing the dominant ones.

 

[NatalieP]

@MarkJr do you mean the one suggesting the jail for the victim to build up confidence?

 

[aart]

It might.
But best to look at other things first.
Space.

I followed all the guidance for sizing the run and coop for 6 chickens (run could handle more technically).

How big is that in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would really help.

They recently-ish started laying

Did the bullying start well before laying or just as they started?
I'll assume all the birds are the same age?

 

[MarkJr]

^^^ Was going to tag. Now you’ll get to bottom of it.

 

[aart]

Look up the article on how to fix bully behavior. It focuses on getting the bullied animal up to par and self reliant vs punishing the dominant ones.

@MarkJr do you mean the one suggesting the jail for the victim to build up confidence?

This article @MarkJr ?:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

 

[MarkJr]

This article @MarkJr ?:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

That’s the one!

I need search lessons. I still can’t find it.

 

[NatalieP]

Thank you both! Here's some clarification: coop is 6'×6', the run is 14'x6' (photo below before they moved in).

I have 2 roost bars for them but they only use 1 and the CLB insists on being on the same bar as the bullies... I've stalked them at night and that's also where she gets a large beating from them. Here's the inside:

And yes. The motley crew of 5 are all the same age. As far as when this began... it's a long story. Basically the CLB was quarantined as a chick since she was pretty ill and when we introduced her back, they didnt know her and the Sussex did do some bullying. So that is not knew but it seems worse these days and very persistent. The red sex link bullying is very new. The CLB actually used to beat up on the red sex link and was her first bff as I saw it. Now the CLB runs the other way when either is near. The BCM has also inflicted fear on the little one at one point (also recently). The only one that hasn't is the Ameracauna.

 

[NatalieP]

Also yes. I've read that article a few times but I worry it could make things worse reintroducing her.. trying out the water gun first to see if I get results.

 

[aart]

coop is 6'×6', the run is 14'x6'

If the run is 6' wide, the coop is only 6 by maybe 4?
Kinda tight space...run is bare with no distractions or hiding places.

That’s the one!

I need search lessons. I still can’t find it.

I knew who wrote it, searched member name, then article list.