Chickens can really be the most wonderful pets. They have a fantastic and individual personality, they’re absolutely beautiful, they’re hilarious and sweet and even feed your family! But what happens if the flock harmony turns into a disaster? Get my tips here for how to stop bullying in backyard chicken flocks so that everyone is safe, happy, and healthy.
And hey if you want to see the video version of this topic, just scroll to the end of this article!
I’m not a medical professional so please take my suggestions as a starting point, but do your own research and consult an avian vet if necessary.
If you need to stop bullying that’s already begin in your chicken run, these tips will help. But this article will be especially helpful as a warning before bullying has even begun!
Not sure if a chicken’s behavior is bullying, or normal pecking order stuff? Check out RSM’s video on the topic here, but normal pecking order is quick and painless (and part of Nature’s big plan so don’t try to stop it). However, if you see blood, bald patches or large amounts of feathers torn out; if a chicken is afraid to “come down” from the roost bars or isn’t able to eat or drink normally, you have a bullying issue and you need to intervene.
Pecking order will give you lots of insight as to where everyone is hierarchy-wise, and who’s trying to challenge. Usually a chicken in the middle of the pecking order is the guilty one (aka your bully). You can see pecking order status a few different ways:
- If you give your chickens a treat or they find a tasty snack like a worm, see who gets to eat first and who waits farther back. Alphas get the food first.
- If you’re able to peek in your feather babies while they sleep, and you have roost bars at different heights, take note of the sleeping position! Alphas get the higher spots (assuming they’re not old/physically unable to get up there), and want to be as far off the ground as possible.
- Chicken will usually “challenge” someone who’s one or two spots ahead of them in the pecking order, and will size each other up.
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Do your chickens have enough square footage? Chickens who are bored (we’ll talk more about that later) or cramped are more likely to start picking on each other. Think about being in the crowded backseat of the family van. When you don’t get enough elbow room, you start griping at your little sister.
Chickens should each have about 10 square feet of space, if possible.
Add a water source and a feeder if necessary, so everyone can have access. For my seven hens, I have two five-gallon water buckets, and two ten-pound feeders. Also consider spreading them out, so one bully can’t play Guardian of All the Food.
Got roosters? Check your ratio! Your rooster-to-hen should be minimum of 1:6 ratio, so that all of the ladies can share the attention from the rooster. If a rooster doesn’t have enough females to keep him “occupied”, a hen or two can look pretty beaten up – missing feathers on their tail and back, and even getting bloody from his spurs.
Make sure that there’s enough shelters, too. Even if you have a smaller flock and just one full coop (eg everyone sleeps under one roof), you can still make smaller shelters throughout your run for others to hang out in. Think of it as a “base” during the day – multiple places for shade, hiding from an aerial predator like if a hawk flies over, and a place to be “out of sight out of mind” if someone starts acting like a bully. I’ve used repurposed pallets, outdoor tables and chairs, all kinds of things to make fun little hiding spots.
Diversions! Give your chickens shit to do. I know this sounds ridiculous but it’s true. Whether you’re just throwing GrubTerra at them once a day, using a rake to dig up new holes, providing plants for bugs and shade, or rearranging some stuff in the chicken run, keep your chickens busy and you’ll stop bullying.
Check out the video all about Diversions For Your Backyard Chickens here!
Try to add chickens who are around the same size as existing flock. If you’re looking to grow your flock, be mindful of who you’re adding. Leghorns and bantams don’t mix!
And if you add chickens, add in decent numbers. You don’t want the “new guys versus the veterans” to be super off balance. Instead, try to add at least two chickens at a time, and more if you have a larger existing flock.
Try these tips to stop bullying in backyard chicken flocks and let me know in the comments what works for you! Here’s the video:
I'd love to hear from you!