I realized I haven’t rated this, but I recommend it to anyone I see with bullying issues, because it’s helped me. It’s an approach I never would’ve thought of but makes complete sense. Thanks a million, you’re so helpful to so many!
This is a great idea, one I've often utilized in my own flock. I do have one hen who just has to live by herself now, as the three hens who pick on her don't give her a break, but this method has worked with some of my others.
@Lacy Duckwing -- I have used the method of isolating the timid bird from the flock and it does boost her confidence to where she's returned to the flock & doesn't pay attention to the bully. If a timid bird continues victim behavior other birds will join bullying. But once the timid bird is isolated for a few days she returns to the flock unafraid. I've noticed sometimes a broody bird gets picked on by others so I isolate broodies too till they break the broody behavior (I don't have a roo or raise chicks so when a hen goes broody we break her to keep her from getting picked on). Birds can be mean to each other -- just like mean bullies in a children's playground!
Awesome imput on this information! I am one of those chicken keepers who often look to stop the bully hen and overlook boosting the victim hen's confidence. This article was very eye-opening and I would like to try this myself.
Solid common sense advice with real world examples to back it up. I just integrated a five month old pullet named Frida into my flock very easily by doing pretty much exactly what you recommend here. It only took 3 days of having her in an wide mesh screened area to eat and relax by herself -- while she could still see the flock around her and they could see her. Last night she walked into the coop to roost by herself and no one hassled her. It helps that my senior hen Cleo is too boss to be bothered with harassing her and pretty much signals to the others to leave her be.
I agree that having an enclosed area where newbies can get on their feet is essential. Good for birds who are injured or feeling a bit down as well.
Excellent article with practical advice. I searched for help because my speckled sussex, Lucy is getting bullied on by an australorp and a barred rock. This is so helpful
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Actually she was in a different run while everyone was out foraging...eating, dusting and enjoying herself immensely. I shut the gate to protect her for awhile. I am a bit concerned still about putting her in the roost for the night.
Excellent advice, I'll be trying this with a langshan. Don't know if it's a breed thing but he's definitely timid. His cockerel flockmate seems to be going out of his way to harass him. Honestly, Im afraid the langshan will hurt himself trying to get away. I'm sure hormones are playing a role but it's worth a shot. The bully has overall improved since being added to this coop and separated from his brother. He just has it out for this poor lanshan
A really good article with lots of helpful information! I am guilty of just dealing with a bully, after reading this article I will take a totally different approach.
I have a small coop (mass produced type) that I will incorporate into the larger run we are working on. Right now, I only have room for a large dog crate in the coop and I hate to leave a chicken confined in there for too long.
Keeping chickens and dealing with unusual problems that arise requires the diligent cultivation of your imagination. My imagination serves me fine but will only carry others just so far when I write an article trying to help.
You may not have room in your run to temporarily fence off one corner, but you might be able to find a corner in the coop for it. Or perhaps you've been meaning to expand your run and just need some motivation. This is a good time to take a look at your setup and think about pushing out a fence to make 100 more square feet of space to make your flock happier. In a pinch, a dog crate large enough for the bully victim to stand up in can serve as a safe refuge during bully victim treatment. It only needs to be used during the day as the victim will roost with the others at night.
It looks like this approach was well explained and I hope I’ll be as successful. I have another day of customizing the new coop and run before I can give this poor hen a better life than hiding in the coop all day and still getting beat up when a couple of them hunt her down.
Thank you for this insightful article. I haven't experienced this in my young flock, yet. But, I do have a sweet, timid girl who I watch out for. She seems a bit unsure of herself
Only helpful if you don’t free range.
Coops without runs cannot use this advice.
Good advice if you have a run for your chickens otherwise won’t help out for those without runs.
You may not have room in your run to temporarily fence off one corner, but you might be able to find a corner in the coop for it. Or perhaps you've been meaning to expand your run and just need some motivation. This is a good time to take a look at your setup and think about pushing out a fence to make 100 more square feet of space to make your flock happier. In a pinch, a dog crate large enough for the bully victim to stand up in can serve as a safe refuge during bully victim treatment. It only needs to be used during the day as the victim will roost with the others at night.