Help with Bully Brahma

[mandersrenee8503]

My otherwise very sweet (and very large) Dark Brahma named Disco just started laying in the last few weeks. She’s around 8-9 months old. She’s an absolute sweetheart with people, but right around the time she started laying she has turned into a huge bully with two of my other chickens. The big issue is that the one she has decided to terrorize and peck her head and eyes to the point of bleeding is mg disabled Lavender Orpington who has one leg that’s twisted backwards.

I’ve tried separating Disco and reintegrating after a few days, and the other chickens higher in the pecking order put her in her place, but she still goes after my Orpington. I ordered some pinless peepers but the smaller size is too small, and she’s able to get the larger sized ones off with her foot and shaking her head. I don’t want to separate my Orpington because she gets along great with my other birds and it seems unfair to her. I’m out of ideas though, and taking Disco in and out of the house right now isn’t a great thing because it’s 68 degrees inside and in the single digits outside this week. I don’t have a garage. Any other ideas??? I also would like to keep everyone if possible.

Picture of Disco and Orchid (the Orpington)

 

[azygous]

It's not uncommon for a disabled chicken to be picked on. Chickens are well aware of their disabilities and will withdraw from flock activities. Bullies tend to notice these attempts and it triggers their desire to bully.

I approach bullying from the opposite of how most flock keepers perceive the problem. You might give this a read and see if you might want to try it. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/ I can't promise you this will work with a disabled hen, but I would sure give it a try.