Chickens have a social hierarchy within a flock, which is referred to as a pecking order. In this hierarchy each bird has a rank or status related to the other birds. This order is established through dominance behaviors such as actual pecking, chasing, and other behaviors. Those who are higher up on the ranking order have priority when it comes to food, water, treats, and other resources. Those who are lower may be subjected to bullying.  

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However, on occasion issues can arise in the pecking order. This can be due to overcrowding, a change in flock dynamics, boredom, stress, or inadequate living conditions. 

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When you have a chicken who is being bullied or is acting like a bully, it's important to first determine the reasoning behind this. Sometimes, there is no real reason and it may be due to the chicken's personality. Once determined, it's best to prevent the issue by giving the chickens more room, putting fun treats out there to help boredom, find ways to alleviate stress, etc. 

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When dealing with pecking order issues, it's crucial to address the situation promptly. One effective method is to remove at least three hens for at least two weeks, allowing the pecking order to reset naturally. Depending on the size of the flock and bully, you may need to remove more hens for a longer period of time.

 

If you know who the bully is make sure to remove them but leave the one who is being bullied. This gives the bullied hen(s) a chance to recover and regain their confidence. Additionally, providing ample space, distractions, and enrichment can help reduce bullying and create a more peaceful environment.

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When you reintroduce the removed hens, make sure to monitor them regularly to make sure this helped the issue. If it did not, try again with more hens and for a longer period of time. 

 

Regular monitoring and intervention can also help prevent bullying behavior from escalating, ensuring a happy and peaceful flock.

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