[feathered friends]

Hi all, I picked up 3 ex batts  last Saturday, but I wasn't prepared for the stress and upset that came with watching the pecking order being established.  There is one particular hen that is being picked on by the other two.  The poor thing sits in the farthest corner of the run or stays in the house and doesn't come out at all.  I ended up in tears this morning because I felt so helpless, she is such a gentle little thing and I hate to see this happening to her.  I have tried anti pecking spray but that doesn't seem to be helping. I'm worried that I have done the wrong thing taking them on, but at the same time I don't want to part with them.  I'm probably being a real wimp, but I would appreciate any advice.

[rileyfin]

Hang in there, it can only get better. 
Has she got feathers, make sure if they draw blood you wash it off and spray it or the other girls will go for her all the more.

Put plenty of food and water stations out, at least three, so she always has somewhere to eat without getting too close to the others, they can only guard 2 at the most.

She has come this far so hang in there, give her some extra tlc when the others arnt looking it will make you both feel better .
It will be worth it, promise 

[ANHBUC]

I agree with rileyfin about the feeders and drinkers.

You could also mix the layers pellets with boiled water to make a porridge then let it cool.  If you put it in three bowls spread out in their run she will have a chance to get food and water at the same time.  If she builds up her strength you might find that she rises in the pecking order and becomes the bully.   

If she is the last to go in the coop at night you could also use this time to give her extra food. 

[feathered friends]

Thank you for your replies.  Sorry I haven't replied sooner, had a really busy weekend. I have taken on board your suggestions of extra feeders, and my husband has made a bigger run for them so they have more room.  I gave her some TLC yesterday and gave her the run of the garden for a couple of hours, she had some food and water and then she sat in the sun and dozed off.  When I put her into the run she didn't dash back into the coop which made me feel a bit better. It's early days I think I was just panicking a bit. 
Thanks again for your wise words.

[Beano]

I think I was just panicking a bit

Tell you what; no matter how much experience you have, it's a VERY difficult thing to watch and experience.
Making a bigger run is a good idea because it gives her a bit of space to get out of eyesight.
You seem to be doing the right things and keeping an eye on the situation. Making sure that she gets her share of food and drink in the most important thing. It will help keep her strength up. It will settle eventually but she may always be at the bottom of the pecking order which will give you an excuse to make her your favourite.
Stick with it and you're not being a wimp at all.

[chookboy]

Are  both your other two picking on her?
If so, is one picking on her more than the other one?
If one seems more dominant, it may be worth separating her to see if the second one stops the bullying.

You won't be able to separate the bullied girl, because it will just happen again when you put her back in.

Good luck & hang in there - it'll all come good in the end.

[feathered friends]

Hi, thank you for your replies.  Unfortunately it is both hens picking on her, although it seems to be one more than the other.  She does seem to be spending more time in the run, so hopefully things are settling down. I did wonder if I should re-home the other two hens but I read that a hen shouldn't be kept on their own.
The problem I have now is that in the morning when I let the girl's out, she hangs back and I have to take her out of the house and put her back in the run via the front opening before I can remove the news paper and replace the bedding, it's not so bad at the weekend when I have more time, but when I have to go to work it takes just that bit longer.  Any suggestions as to how I can stop her doing that?  Also, what will happen in the winter when it's dark when I go to work ,will they still come out of the house if it's still dark?

Thanks

[Beano]

Hi,
Can you replace the bedding in the evening? Or are they all in when you get home?
I have to leave for work at 7.30 am and in the Winter when it's pitch black at that time they still come wondering quietly down the ramp.

[feathered friends]

Hi, I've only had them for a few weeks, so I'm thinking ahead.  I will have a go and clean them when I get home from work,  and see how it goes.  It would save me time in the morning.
  The neighbours must think I've lost the plot wandering around in my pj's and dressing gown at 6.30 in the morning!

[ANHBUC]

Have a read of this advice on cleaning from Hillfooter

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=70436.0

There was a topic about what we all wear to let the hens out which I can't find, (fluffy dressing gowns were a favourite)!  All chicken keeper neighbours have to put up with strange sights early on a morning so I wouldn't worry about it.   

I would just shoo her out of the pop hole with your hand gently under her bottom.  If you do this a few times she will probably skoot out when she sees your hand approaching. 

[feathered friends]

Firstly thank you for your reply, I went down to let them out this morning and she trotted out with the others, bless, I think she must know I'm back at work.
  I'm amazed at how quickly they pick things up, my husband has fenced off an area for them so I can still keep my garden fairly untouched.  I feed them their worms and treats in there and now when I let them out of their run they make a bee line for the gate so I can let them in, they really make me smile!

[ANHBUC]

Glad things are improving.