Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: farmerGiles on April 21, 2011, 15:01

Title: Bullied hen
Post by: farmerGiles on April 21, 2011, 15:01

Ever since we introduced two new hens at the start of the year, the established three have pecked her bum and tail feathers bald, smashed her eggs and ate the contents every chance they get, and when she crouches down in fear the others take it in turns to jump on her back and stamp on her.

The poor thing can't get a minute's peace. Would it be wise to separate her from the flock and give her plentiful meals, then reintroduce her when she's back to health or will they just turn on the other newbie in her absence?

Title: Re: Bullied hen
Post by: PaulineM on April 21, 2011, 15:13

Hi
If there is one hen that usually starts the bullying I would isolate that one for a few days and see if the bullying settles, then introduce back the bully.

Title: Re: Bullied hen
Post by: farmerGiles on April 21, 2011, 17:45

Thanks, I've isolated who I believe to be the instigator of the bullying. We'll see how the others get on without her.