What to do when one pullet is picking on the new birds.

[KimH1205]

I had 9 birds that all grew up together and are between 6-7 months old now. I got 4 seramas about two months ago. I guarantined them for 3 weeks, than put them in their own pen inside the bigger pen so that everyone could get used to each other without touching each other. Did that for several weeks, then I allowed them to mix with each other. All the bigger birds seem fine with them except one pullet that stalks them and chases them as soon as she sees them. Any suggestions on solving this problem will be appreciated.

 

[ValerieJ]

You could try giving the aggressive hen a time out in the adjacent pen for a few days.

 

[chrissynemetz]

That's what I would do. I would separate the aggressive hen for a few days and see if it helps.

 

[KimH1205]

Thank you...tomorrow she goes to jail for a few days of solitary. I did that today but only for ann hour do the little guys could free range without having to worry. I will for a few days straight starting tomorrow

 

[slordaz]

anytime ya have 1 being aggressive they get a time out aka chicken jail wether it be hen or rooster the instigator is the one to go. in case of roosters them leghorn hens will teach him a lesson in manners or dive bomb him until he gets it

 

[aart]

except one pullet that stalks them and chases them as soon as she sees them.

She is probably low bird in the older groups pecking order, they are often the most aggressive to newcomers, either to keep their place in the order or because they finally have someone lower to pick on.
Putting that bird in a wire crate right amongst the others for a few hours a day may help break the habit as well as gibe the newbies a break.

What does your coop and run look like?
Pics might help garner some solutions.


The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.