[Lexie]

We had 4 hens for 7 months then one became ill and we had to despatch it.  We got a further 2 which we put in at night when roosting but for 3 weeks 2 of the originals made their life a misery.  We then swapped the 2 baddies with a friend for 2 other hens and it has started all over again.  They are bullying all 3 of my remaining chickens now.  I would like more hens but I need to have happy egg laying hens not bullied miserable ones.  We haven't had any eggs for weeks now.  I want to give the 2 swapped ones back and just have the 3 who get one but I would like more hens.  How do I get them to get on.  We only have a small back garden so I don't have anywhere to separate them to.

[joyfull]

two of mine were bullying my three new ones, so much so that one dissapeared for 24 hours, then the following morning one had a large bald and bleeding patch on her back. The two bullies are now in a seperate temporary cage until the beak rings that I have ordered from the Wild fowl trust come (thanks Grannie Annie and chicken lady for the details). They cost £1 for 8. With these on they cannot peck other birds but can still eat and drink. Perhaps you could try these as well, I know chicken lady has them on some of her birds and has no problems