Struggling with integration.....

Hi

This is my first post, so hi, firstly!

Secondly, we have had 2 chickens for 18 months. They came from a friend who moved abroad, and rather than see them killed, my better half offered to take 2 out of the 50 they had. All has been fine with the exception of one who has been the "Boss Lady" from the beginning. She has always been bossy with the other, but nothing too serious.

Three weeks ago we got two more as we have the room, and I like my little Urban Farm! One is a Cambridge Blue and the other a Black Nero. The Cambridge Blue appears to have settled well with the odd warning from the established chickens, but the Black Nero is being picked on like nothing I can stand to watch by the "Boss Lady" who is a Spanish Bread of some sort. The Boss Lady has also not laid in the 18 months we have had her.

We have tried everything, even naughty step tactics and vinegar in their water etc to try and stop her pecking the Black Nero, to no avail. It is not just the odd peck, it is serious bullying, where she is actually pulling feather from her neck and rather nastily too.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I am not a believer in killing for the sake of it, but if it comes to it..... and are there people who can do this? I could not (call me "chicken" if you like!!)

Thanks for your help.

Chicken McLicken

Are you sure Boss Lady is a Lady?

Grabbing feathers on the neck is a very cockerel thing to do.  I have found that when hens peck at each other they go for the top of the head or in the middle of the back.  They also tend just to peck too.  Feather pulling usually starts with their frilly knickers.

Post a photo for us to admire and we can have a guess!

I guess I am lucky with my boys (cockerels and guineas as non have gone for my chicks - although my banty broody did go for a guinea even though he was no where near her chick today - she is very very protective of her one chick (she only had 1 out of 4 hatch in this lot so guess she feels it is even more precious)