Unsecure chicken perches

[madonion]

We rescued 6 chickens from BHWT just over a week ago and within a few days they were sorting out their pecking order. For the last maybe 2 days though 5 of them have been pecking one particular hen. She did have the least feathers of all of them when we got her she is looking very thin and missing loads of feathers on her back and behind her head. She spends all day running away from the others and clucking in distress. They will peck and chase her for no reason. Ive searched the internet for a solution but everything seem to recommend different things, some working for some people but not for others. Does anyone have a solution?

 

Thanks very much.

[gongladosh]

hmm, I'll bet people disagree with me on this, but what I'd be tempted to do is section off the one that's getting picked on until her feathers grow back - she's getting picked on as she is the weakest and least well-feathered.

 

I reckon she needs to be near the others but she needs time to regrow her feathers. Normally you don't remove the one being picked on but as there's risk to her, I'd section her off so she's nearby but not at risk, just until her feathers regrow a bit (as they protect her).

 

They'll settle down over time (don't forget that moving from their cages is a big move for them so it's all a little strange).