Interesting behaviour

[Jomc25]

I have just added 4 new bantams to my mini flock of four existing bantams. One particular old chicken has been pecking and bullying the new ones. I've been out to check them as it is now bedtime. All of the chickens, new and old, are in the coop sleeping, but the "bully" chicken is settled just outside the coop door. What do we think is happening here?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I assume the new ones are mature?

That is interesting. Do you think the new ones got tired of her and fought back? She lost the fight and is now afraid to go inside? That's the only thing I can think of.

 

[LaFleche]

She might have lost count while acting as Cerberus to prevent the newbies from entering the coop.

Do you have an automatic coop door?

 

[Jomc25]

We do, but the door was open. In fact, I left it open all night as they were being so weird!

 

[Jomc25]

She might have lost count while acting as Cerberus to prevent the newbies from entering the coop.

Do you have an automatic coop

We do, but the door was open. In fact, I left it open all night as they were being so weird!

 

[Jomc25]

I assume the new ones are mature?

That is interesting. Do you think the new ones got tired of her and fought back? She lost the fight and is now afraid to go inside? That's the only thing I can think of.

I wondered about that, but this morning the older hens are all outside and the new ones are still hiding in the coop, so I don't think so. Hopefully they'll sort it all out between themselves before too long!