What to do about 1 chicken getting attacked by the others

[mddc]

I have 9 chickens who used to get along well until one of them, a red sex-link, started molting a few months ago. The other chickens started pecking at it. I noticed that it was bleeding, so I isolated it in a small coop in our garage for a few weeks until it healed and its feathers regrew. However, every time I try to put it back with the flock, multiple chickens attack it viciously. They even jump on its back and attack its comb. The comb became bloody and scabbed, so I had to remove it again. It can defend itself against one chicken, but about 5 different chickens attack it, often simultaneously. It is one of my favorite chickens and I hate to get rid of it. Any suggestions how to resolve the situation?

 

[mddc]

The other breeds I have that attack her are black austrolorps and an ameracauna. The bard rocks seem to leave her alone. I am trying to figure out a way to re-indroduce her to the flock and stop the attacks. I am afraid they are going to kill her.

 

[keesmom]

You can't just toss her in with them at this point. She was separated for so long she is now a new, strange chicken to them. So of course they attack when they see her. You are going to have to reintroduce her slowly. Pen off a section of the coop so they can see but not harm her. Or try a wire dog crate. It's going to take time for them to accept her again.

 

[mddc]

Thank you very much--that makes total sense! I will put a dog crate with food and water in the run during the day and in the coop at night. I will let her run around in the yard during the day with the other chickens for some exercise and watch to see when she starts being accepted by the rest of the flock.