EIEIO Funny Farm
Songster
Sorry so lengthy, but heres a bit of the back story:
My 1 year old hen named Dixie lost her best friend Peaches 5 months ago- it was heartbreaking for all of us and Dixie was very upset about it too they were inseparable since 2 days old.
Peaches was at the top of the pecking order and my only other two hens (4 months younger) are very docile EEs, so Dixie became the top hen. Everything was fine, but Dixie started becoming very vocal and seemingly a little grumpy but the others weren’t bothered by it.
I’ve added 4 more to my flock since and they are now 12 weeks old. I’ve kept them in the same run, but with a cross fence so they could get acquainted. The young ones had a separate coop until they got older.
They all run together now and seem to get along fine, however Dixie has started being mean to them. She chases them off, bolts at them and pecks. They run every time they see her. She balks and squawks constantly - just very grumpy it seems.
About 3 weeks ago I built an addition to the coop so they can all roost together since it has the auto door and I’m often working late and can’t lock them in at night. I’ve had to put a barrier between the roosting bars, so the young ones have the new roost addition and the original 3 hens have their usual side, but it’s joined and they all have to use the same door. When I get home in the evening I check on them - they are all locked in and everyone in their assigned place and roosting peacefully
So the evenings I am home I witness the circus that takes place as the younger ones are trying to get in the coop before dark.
Dixie harasses them, bolts toward them, chases and pecks at them. When they make it
into the coop sometimes she goes in and starts pecking at them until they are cowering in the corner! I have not seen any blood or damage, but still !!!
I was really hoping for harmony by now - I mean, it’s only a flock of 7!
Also, they have a huge run, about 13x26 and she’s always squawking at the gate like she hates confinement. Drives me crazy!
Should I separate her from the flock for a little bit? I don’t know….I’ve only been a backyard chicken lover a little over a year, so no experience with behavior problems.
What to do?
I appreciate all input and suggestions. Thank you!!
My 1 year old hen named Dixie lost her best friend Peaches 5 months ago- it was heartbreaking for all of us and Dixie was very upset about it too they were inseparable since 2 days old.
Peaches was at the top of the pecking order and my only other two hens (4 months younger) are very docile EEs, so Dixie became the top hen. Everything was fine, but Dixie started becoming very vocal and seemingly a little grumpy but the others weren’t bothered by it.
I’ve added 4 more to my flock since and they are now 12 weeks old. I’ve kept them in the same run, but with a cross fence so they could get acquainted. The young ones had a separate coop until they got older.
They all run together now and seem to get along fine, however Dixie has started being mean to them. She chases them off, bolts at them and pecks. They run every time they see her. She balks and squawks constantly - just very grumpy it seems.
About 3 weeks ago I built an addition to the coop so they can all roost together since it has the auto door and I’m often working late and can’t lock them in at night. I’ve had to put a barrier between the roosting bars, so the young ones have the new roost addition and the original 3 hens have their usual side, but it’s joined and they all have to use the same door. When I get home in the evening I check on them - they are all locked in and everyone in their assigned place and roosting peacefully
So the evenings I am home I witness the circus that takes place as the younger ones are trying to get in the coop before dark.
Dixie harasses them, bolts toward them, chases and pecks at them. When they make it
into the coop sometimes she goes in and starts pecking at them until they are cowering in the corner! I have not seen any blood or damage, but still !!!
I was really hoping for harmony by now - I mean, it’s only a flock of 7!
Also, they have a huge run, about 13x26 and she’s always squawking at the gate like she hates confinement. Drives me crazy!
Should I separate her from the flock for a little bit? I don’t know….I’ve only been a backyard chicken lover a little over a year, so no experience with behavior problems.
What to do?
I appreciate all input and suggestions. Thank you!!
I’m still upset over it. It was 5 months ago…. I know she grieved over her and she cried several nights. It was heartbreaking. 
