Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[mumblecheekyuggs]

My 3 hens have recently started to bully one of them, my pekin bantam uggs. She hides in the eglu all day, and doesn't come out all day unless forced to by us.But whenever we do this, the other 2, an orp and faverolle, peck at her and sometimes even kick at her. Even when she is near them she is just so hunched up and nervous, she makes squeaky noises when she does this. Because of her size she doesn't fight back. We have tried poking with a stick but she still gets attacked. PLease any help is welcome thanks!!!

Edited September 20, 2011 by Guest

[Space Chick]

Is one a bigger bully? If so, I would separate that one and leave the Pekin with the nicer of the two for a few days, then reintroduce the worst bully.

 

Poking with a stick doesn't sound good, but I have had success with bullies by squirting with a water pistol.

 

I would set up 3 feeding and drinking stations as this is often a cause for bullying, and they couldnt man 3.

 

Is she healthy? As chickens often pick on the weak, and being hunched is often a sign of illness... May be worth a vet checking her over.

 

Final question... How much space do they have? Bullying can often occur when chickens get bored due to lack of space.

[Patricia W]

I agree with Space Chick. Take the bully out and put her by herself for a few days. I've just had to do that with three of my bantams. After 4 days I put her back in and the dynamic had changed.

 

And do check how much space you're giving them - maybe put in some perches so the bullied one can hop up and away. Cabbage's on strings for them to peck at are another idea.

 

Good luck!

[mumblecheekyuggs]

They are in an eglu with a 1m extension. One is a bigger bully. Now you say it she gets all puffed and hunched up when they come near her, but is fine until then.

It has happened before but no way near this much.

 

thanks!!!!!!

[sparkysmum]

Please don't mind me asking but do they not free range at all? There's not much chance of getting away if they are confined to a three metre run and are more likely to display anti social behaviours out of boredom. If you can give them some free range time this will help - even a netted off area around their run will go some way to help.

[mumblecheekyuggs]

Yes they do have some time to free range. They are normally out all day sat and sun, and probably an for every mon tues and fri. I have been to the pet shop and brought a toy to peck at and a mirror. hopefully it will stop.