Worried

[Breaux Chicks]

So we took in a new hen this weekend. She is 3.5 years old and our other girls were all a year in April. She is a bantam hen so she is small BUT she is bigger than our smallest Bantam. So Gloria is feeling super intimidated by Honey. The 2 other hens and our Rooster are just fine with her. Gloria is pecking her and chasing her away from the food and the other chickens. Will this work itself out? What would y'all do. I'm so annoyed with Gloria but understand. She's always been spoiled since she's the smallest. They keep flapping and sticking their chest out. Honey is taking it very well and seems to be holding her own but I want it to end.

 

[bobbi-j]

This is all part of chicken society and how the pecking order is established. When a new bird is brought into the flock, chickens don't think, "Oh, hey look! Mom brought home a new friend!" Their little chicken brains are programmed for survival, and what they see is a stranger to the flock. The stranger represents more competition for food, water and roosting space. The way to make sure the intruder doesn't eat all the food and drink all the water is to chase her away. Eventually, they'll realize she's here to stay and will accept her. If there are no major injuries and no blood, let them work it out.

 

[Breaux Chicks]

This is all part of chicken society and how the pecking order is established. When a new bird is brought into the flock, chickens don't think, "Oh, hey look! Mom brought home a new friend!" Their little chicken brains are programmed for survival, and what they see is a stranger to the flock. The stranger represents more competition for food, water and roosting space. The way to make sure the intruder doesn't eat all the food and drink all the water is to chase her away. Eventually, they'll realize she's here to stay and will accept her. If there are no major injuries and no blood, let them work it out. 

 

[Breaux Chicks]

That is all that I needed to hear. I wasn't sure if I should separate them. I guess I'll just let them work it out. It's hard to watch.

 

[Mrs. K]

If you separate them by pulling a single bird, you will just start over when you try and add it back. So put out a couple of feed dishes and water places, a hide out or two and let them work it out unless one is bloody and dying.

Bobbie -j has it exactly right