4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Abbey Road Girl]

When I got my four lovely Pepperpots with my Cube last April, I thought that Biccie would be top chook (she was the biggest at the time), but alas she's the odd one out.

 

It was especially sad last night when I picked her off the roosting bars last night to squirt some purple spray onto her naked bits to prevent the feather peckers from harming her even more. Three have been pecked, but she's been the most exposed and I worry about possible blood-inspired attacks.

 

The other three were in one corner of the coop when I slid back the roof and Biccie was on her own. Not surprising since she's often the odd one out when free ranging (last one to come for treats usually). But sad. (Must be fair and say that all four do participate when treats are offered. Biccie is only marginalised, not 100% bullied.)

 

When it's time for them to go into the run, Biccie is the hesitant one (and I think she's the one who poos into the Glug while taking refuge from the others). Yet she does trust me to encourage her to come inside, bless her!

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for reducing the impact of being at the bottom of the pecking order? I do so feel for this lovely--and probably lonely--hen.

[Olly]

I don't think there's much you can do to alter the pecking order. I do know what you mean, I feel sorry for my littlest one - but provided the pecking itself is under control, I think it's just a fact of chicken life. Someone's always going to be at the bottom of the pile.

 

I think the problem is that a lot of us see this, and have memories of the school playground and how awful it felt being the odd one out! I guess chickens probably don't have the same emotions though.

[Egluntyne]

If there is one pbvious bully, you could perhaps isolate her for a while to see if the pecking order shifts a bit, and let her back later, hopefully no longer as top hen.

 

Have you tried bumpa bits?

[KAZAROO]

Although my lot all sleep together there are two very definitive groups... Lacey; Sue and Jaffa. And the Fi and her little shadows; Betty and Wilma...

 

I personally would maybe try the bumper bits...

[sandyhas3chucks]

COuld you pick a friend for her & have them together a bit when they are all free ranging? the others wouldn't notice. for a bit each day, then perhaps she can have a friend. Only got 3 & had to get a friend for one. they def pals although a word of caution. make sure you don't pick a feather plucker as a friend!!!!!

I have tried almost exerything except bumper bits but have them ready and am finding that T trea is the best deterant. I think I possibly have the only girls in the whole world that didn't mind Ucadex!!!!! Feather plucker just carried on.