I’m Lovey’s Lovely Chickens and new to Backyard Chickens. I am in Victoria, Australia. I have had chickens / ducks for approximately 10 years.

[triciayoung]

Welcome. I agree with @Debbie292d that segregation works, but my experience is that this only works if one is not disabled. I have several handicap chickens. Only one do I let be with the flock, and I still have to keep an eye on her because of flock members that "go after her" because of her disability. Instinctively, chickens try to get rid of the "weak" members of the flock, seeing them as weakening the flock from predators. However, with our domestication of chickens and ducks, we do have some that are really good nurse mates. But the problem again is the instinctual one. I find with any animal, there are always triggers that will make them act instinctually, no matter the training.

Below is my favorite organization for disabled chickens/ducks. Please keep in mind that this rescue has full-time people dedicated to caring for the residents. You and I don't have this...still really great ideas.

https://opensanctuary.org/non-ambulatory-chickens/
https://opensanctuary.org/introduct...disabilities-non-ambulatory-residents-part-2/
https://opensanctuary.org/introduct...disabilities-non-ambulatory-residents-part-3/

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

I have used pinless peepers in the past. I had a very mean hen that ripped combs, bit at legs and toes, I was always finding blood on everything, she flogged me, bit me, flogged other birds, ripped feathers out, etc... she was an all around a huge bully to everything in her path, starting at 3 months old and continued to get worse as she aged. I considered rehoming her but I decided to try pinless peepers on her. At first they worked, she could only see directly up or directly down, so she wasn't able to aim straight ahead to attack. And of course I tried removing them occasionally but she returned to her bully self. Eventually over the years she learned how to work around the blind areas and again became very good with aiming, biting, ripping combs and feathers. She was 6 at the time, I was caring for an old sick hen I had in a basket and she jumped in and attacked this poor bird, I had had enough and I put this aggressive hen down. The flock was thrilled, finally they could relax in peace.

Pinless peepers are a drastic measure, it can damage the nostrils if not applied correctly and from just daily wearing. A truly mean bird will not be changed with peepers however you can squelch the aggression. Chicken keeping is supposed to be fun, it shouldn't be stressful to you or the flock. If it gets bad enough in your flock, you might give the peepers a try, its always best to try every avenue, if for just the knowledge alone.

Welcome to our community!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

With a flock your size and a disabled bird living among them, I would simply remove her and rehome her. Good luck.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck in changing her behavior. As things are she may instigate other birds to pick on the disabled duck. @DobieLover's suggestion may be the most viable solution.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens, And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska! The Best of Luck with your Duck Stevie.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! We're glad you decided to join us!

 

[Tookie]

Welcome to BYC! Good luck with the bully.