Bullied chicken what should I do?

[rosemarythyme]

That seems to be where mine are getting attacked.

Assuming you're in Australia not sure if you can get it there, but doesn't hurt to check.

It will not solve any long term behavioral issues with crowding, bullying, etc. but may be helpful in keeping other birds from picking at wounds, bare spots, etc. It needs to be reapplied frequently (like twice a day), but while it's on it definitely seems to taste bad to them.

 

[AGeese]

This takes strategy not more birds. I would introduce her to only 1 or 2 members of the flock at a time. This means you'll have to figure out what to do with the others, lock them out for a while so she can get comfortable in their area. Then bring in the others 1 at a time. Will probably take a while, until then she'll have to be separate, but near where they can see each other and interact.

 

[Project Blue]

Take the worst offenders and stake them in the coop. I had a splash Ameraucana hen that was a relentless bully that I tied a torn plastic bag to one leg just above the foot and the other end staked close enough to food and water so she could eat and drink. Essentially giving her about a two foot square piece of territory, at the same time she is still with her victim who gains confidence and they learn to get along. I did this thinking the plastic would last long enough to give her victim a respite until I could think what to do. The bag lasted a week and the problem was solved. A little band of plastic stayed around the offenders foot her entire life. She could of easily pecked it off but didn't and it never caused her any problems. I think yarn or string might tangle up the other occupants. I used a thin grocery bag that tore easily

 

[Gezellige_Poes]

I absolutely would put pinless peepers on all the bullies. Immediately. I had 3 Cochin bantams, and two mercilessly picked on the 3rd. I tried various things, and honestly, putting stuff on them to deter could actually do the reverse. Plus, what are they really ingesting if the picking continues? I put peepers on the two and everything settled down immediately!! I gave it a week or so, took the peepers off and it's been peaceful ever since. If a week is not enough, back on they go. It can be a bit of adjustment wearing peepers. One hen, it was no big deal; the other was not happy about it, but she adjusted quickly.