Isolating molting hen

[Carymcmillin]

I hope that I'm doing g the right thing. I have a hen that we noticed was getting pushed out of the flock. They were chasing her off the food and water. I chased her down and she is molting alot worse than I thought. I have her isolated and separate water and feed. I know I will have to bring her back into the flock but she needs to get her feathers back and have enough energy to fight back. Let me know what you do in the same situation. Thanks

 

[sourland]

I would have monitored the situation to make sure that blood was not being drawn, and I would have provided multiple feed and water stations. Reintroduction after the molt will cause more problems. Good luck with her.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't separate out birds that are being bullied as long as they're not being attacked to the point of injury. I want to avoid having to reintegrate at all costs.

Multiple feeders and waterers spread out in the run or free range area will prevent resource guarding. Having plenty of clutter https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/page-6#post-25037140 will give a bullied bird places to run away and hide if needed.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree with the above, separating causes more problems than it fixes. If she is not getting enough to eat, separate her in the run, for just a couple of hours while you give her food

Multiple feed stations set up so that a bird eating at one, can’t see other birds help.

Get here back out there asap

 

[CloneFly]

I hope that I'm doing g the right thing. I have a hen that we noticed was getting pushed out of the flock. They were chasing her off the food and water. I chased her down and she is molting alot worse than I thought. I have her isolated and separate water and feed. I know I will have to bring her back into the flock but she needs to get her feathers back and have enough energy to fight back. Let me know what you do in the same situation. Thanks

I've had a few hens that were viciously bullied during their molts/would take forever and a day to grow back their feathers, though as several people have mentioned, it could cause several issues for your hen in the long run when it comes time to reintroduce her.

If you have a wire dog crate, I would suggest placing it in the middle of your coop/run and leave your hen in there with food and water- you can let her out during the day under supervision. That way she's not isolated from the flock and doesn't become a "stranger" but she'll also be somewhat protected against constant bullying and have access to feed. I've done this with most of my scaredy-hens and have had a decent success rate. Hope this helps!