My orpinton cross peaches is being picked on by my 2 RIRs. They have been in the same coop for months. You can see the 2 RIRs on my BYC page. Angel (a RIR) jumps on her back and starts pecking her head. I was just thinkng it was the pecking order but they never have done this before. Pebbles (other RIR) sometimes runs after her. Can you tell me what is going on?
It's funny, I've heard from a lot of people with chickens that RIR's can be a problem when raised with other breeds. That may be what's happening with yours. An older more experienced chicken raiser told me one time that you should never mix any other breeds in with the RIR's cause they will end up killing them or causing them harm. I have never had that experience since I've never had a flock of RIR's, nor have I ever mixed a few in with mine. You might do some internet searching for more info on that subject.
I have several RIR's mixed in with my flock made up of many breeds and they've never bothered any others. As a matter of fact they are one of the least obtrusive. I spray Betadine on my Polish hens head once a week and if any girls try to pick on her, they immediately stop and wipe the beaks on the ground. That might stop them.
