When to reintroduce post picking by other hens

[Nicola Gosse]

My 8 week old pullet just got her new feathers which have now been picked out by the other three (who are slightly older). She lost most of her back feathers and tail. I've had her isolated within the run for the past week. She is not bleeding, however when I put her out to trial with the others she get's pecked again. How long should I wait, should she have all her feathers before I reintroduce her or wait till she's a bit older.
Thank you
Nicola

 

[Gwethrien]

I’m new to chickens myself but I thought I read that you remove the bullies not the bullied.

 

[Nicola Gosse]

I’m new to chickens myself but I thought I read that you remove the bullies not the bullied.

Yes, that would be my plan if it continues once she is reintroduced. I think I know who the main culprit is. It's an urban coop so only four hens.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Try putting some Blu Kote on her back perhaps.

Also are your chickens usually in the run, or usually free ranging the yard? If they're usually in the run, realistically assess your run - does it have stuff for them to interact with? Things to dig through, to climb, to hide behind? Bored chickens cause problems, busy chickens don't have time to do that.

 

[aart]

It's an urban coop so only four hens.

How big is it, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.
Crowding into too small a space is the number one reason for picking/bullying

 

[Nicola Gosse]

Try putting some Blu Kote on her back perhaps.

Also are your chickens usually in the run, or usually free ranging the yard? If they're usually in the run, realistically assess your run - does it have stuff for them to interact with? Things to dig through, to climb, to hide behind? Bored chickens cause problems, busy chickens don't have time to do that.

 

[Nicola Gosse]

They have lots of entertainment in the run. Branches, swing, huge solid cube to peck, three feeders in at least 40 sq feet. I’ve purchased stop pick too but not certain it’s worked. I have no idea why this started. They were so good with her as a baby. She was four weeks and they were ten. I’m having an apron/saddle made for her too

 

[Nicola Gosse]

How big is it, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.
Crowding into too small a space is the number one reason for picking/bullying

10sq feet per hen so 40sq ft with lots of branches for perching, three feeders spread out and a cube block to peck at. I even put up a swing

 

[LaFleche]

...should she have all her feathers before I reintroduce her...

Yes, I would want to have her fully feathered and then put the friendliest of the three others with her and see how they get along.

 

[LaFleche]

And what exactly are you feeding them? They might be triggered by some underlying deficiencies you are not aware of.