[mark porcher]

We have 6 chickens, all bought from the same place. We have had them for about 3 months with no major problems. In the last week 1 of the chickens has been closing its eyes a lot during the day, sleeping stood up in the garden, and seems really wary of the other chickens. It is also being pecked by the other chickens. She does not even want to go back in the coop at night. She is eating and drinking water.

Please help!

[cejx]

Ah, something I've struggled with too.  Separate the bully for a few days so when she is reintroduced, she is at the bottom of the pecking order.  If bullied chook has blood on her, purple spray her and possibly separate her - but in full view of the others.  Then after a few days, put her in the coop at bed time.  If there is one kind chicken, try separating them together. Have separate feeding stations, and then play musical chooks for a while.  In the end, I had to have my little Violet rehomed elsewhere, but chooks can be vicious things and it is hideous to witness.

[Lindeggs]

Hi Mark, it sounds to me like the chicken is being bullied because she is already sick.  Chickens often pick on a vulnerable bird and can be quite merciless.

I would suggest separating the sick hen from the flock and keeping her somewhere warm and dry where you can observe her closely and treat whatever it is that's causing her illness.

I am not experienced enough to suggest what might be wrong with her, but other people on this forum will be able to help.  They will want to know more information like:
- When did she lay her last egg?
- What do her poos look like - and is she clean around the vent area?
- Has she been recently treated for internal or external parasites?  eg worms, mites, etc.
- What is the condition of her comb and wattles? (compared to what they were before and compared to your other birds)

[mark porcher]

Ah, something I've struggled with too.  Separate the bully for a few days so when she is reintroduced, she is at the bottom of the pecking order.  If bullied chook has blood on her, purple spray her and possibly separate her - but in full view of the others.  Then after a few days, put her in the coop at bed time.  If there is one kind chicken, try separating them together. Have separate feeding stations, and then play musical chooks for a while.  In the end, I had to have my little Violet rehomed elsewhere, but chooks can be vicious things and it is hideous to witness.

Thanks for the reply much appreciated.

[bantam novice]

No advice, Mark, but just wanted to say good luck 

[ehs284]

Purple spray is great. It tastes awful (try it!) so using it soon stops pecking and gives the victim confidence. Put on back of neck so no danger of getting in eyes.