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

[jess1merlin]

Hi

Having got my cube on Wednesday, I collect 4 hens yesterday. They were all from the same pen but I think 1 is slightly older than the other 3 - she has more red around her face and comb and is slightly bigger. Anyway she has decided she is boss and is guarding the food and water, even though I have put in an extra food station she is still trying to guard that as well.

 

Last night she (the bossy one) stayed on the roosting bars while the 3 others were pinned in the nest box. Let them out this morning and the boss came marching out while the others stayed in the cube. Eventually 2 of the others ventured out to try and get some food but after a bit of pecking and chasing they have retreated to the cube and the boss is sat at the bottom of the ladder on guard.

 

Although she is not drawing blood, the other 3 seem scared of her and the question is should I take her out for a couple of hours so they can get at the food. I don't have another run so she would have to stay in a cat box. I don't really want to let them out to free range yet as they have only been here 1 day.

 

I know they have to sort out a pecking order but I am just a bit concerned as she is that bit bigger that she will do them some damage.

[chickenlegs]

Think the cat box idea, or separation of some kind within the run is a good idea, as long as she also has access to food and water and remains in sight and smell of the others, a stressful time for all including the bully and at least she might relax alittle and accept feeding with them is not such a bad idea

[jess1merlin]

I am sure the bully is older as she has just laid our first egg. I will keep an eye on them for a couple of hours and if it gets no better will shut her in the cat box for a bit.

[legend21]

Good luck, been through the bullying thing it was horrible, when I started letting mine free range I also put a feed outside as the bully could not guard outside and inside, things are much better we still have a pecking order but nothing too bad.

 

Jackie

[CluckyBucks]

I think maybe it should settle down within a few weeks, youi are doing the right thing by adding extra food and water stations

 

xx xx

[jess1merlin]

Thanks for all your replies.

I phoned the breeder that I got the hens from and he said to return her as sometimes they do get a very dominant hen who tries to rule if they are not in a large group. Anyway I collected another hen and she seems very happy in with her sisters so hopefully all will be ok now. I must say that I am very relieved that they were happy to replace her, I might get a good nights sleep tonight.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

That's good news . Probably for the best and much less stressful for you .

[Troy]

Some hens are much better in a larger flock - theres always one bigger than her- so I'm really pleased for you that you returned her and got yourself another that will intergrate better with the others. There will still be a bit of pecking here and there but they should not resort to 'hiding in the cube.

Good luck and have fun with them!

Troy