[peachesandclive]

Hi all,
advice please, we bought a Lavender Pekin last Sunday and she has been pecked mercilessly since then by at least two of our three large hens (well established). However the week before we introduced a lace wing bantam who, despite some pecking, managed to integrate pretty quickly.
The Pekin just flattens herself and gets pecked so badly that she now has a cut at the back of her head. She doesn't seem to have the 'escape' gene!
She has been separated for several days now, she has the run of the garden and the others can see her all the time, I have been putting mixed corn for her next to the run in which the others are, so that they can see her. Despite this they still go for her when they are allowed to be together.
Any ideas? I notice that there are some suggestions re diet... They get scraps, oyster shell, pellets and mixed corn along with a good supply of fresh water....
Help!
Peachesandclive

[Vember]

Hi Peachesandclive

Poor Pekin

Might be an idea to keep her separate for a week or two
Also some purple spray on the red area (if still red when you reintroduce) might help stop any repeat attacks

You can get purple spray from most horsey feed supply type places

Sarah

[nicchick]

You can also put something on them that tastes nasty. I have used a teatree and coconut cleanser that is safe enough for babies to eat. My mate doesn't agree with putting stuff on that might stop them preening but I feel that it does stop them getting a beating. Nic.

[mumsy]

Its not really a good idea to introduce one on its own    Some may well be ok,  but usually not.   It will take alot longer for her to integrate, if she has others rushing at her.  Purple spray the wound & keep separated for a while longer (til healed at least), then introduce for a few minutes at a time, while watching, so you  can intervene if necessary.  Otherwise you could get her a friend to keep her company an introduce together.

[peachesandclive]

Thank you for your comments.

Today I've got the pekin, her bantam friend (who is not picked on other than the odd peck) plus one of our big hens all in the garden with the 2 bullies shut in the run.

I've been into the run and held the two bullies down a couple of times, I've read that if they are made to be submissive (as though I was a cockerel) they'll think I'm top chicken and stop bullying. We'll see...

Part of me thinks just let them get on with it, but I just can't stand by and watch her be pecked half to death - can a hen be pecked to death, by the way?

[Aunt Sally]

A hen certainly can be pecked to death 

Another trick to this could be to give the new girl(s) the run as their territory and evict the bully girls for a week or two into a small pen.  The run will then become the new girl's territory and the bullies will not be on their home ground when re-introduced.