Bantam and Sussexs fighting!

[LankaMum]

Hi - we have a couple of light sussex hens, and were then given a bantam hen by friends whose other birds had been taken by the fox. We thought it would be better for her to have company than to be left alone. However, since introducing her she is being bullied by them. To be honest, they aren't that good at it as she isn't being damaged, but they peck at her if she's near them and she squeaks and runs.

Most of the time since we got her (2 weeks ago) she is inside her coop and won't come out. Sometimes I bring her out into the run if the others are foraging in the garden, but as soon as they appear she's back inside again.

Today I put her out in the garden with them and they are all pecking but occasionally I hear her squawk! Silly question, but how can I make them include her? We have room for another bantam if necessary -would it be better if I get her a friend her own size?

[quoteunquote]

find her someone who has similar size birds and re home her there.

[olddogs]

nothing to add except i read your title as


batman in sussex fighting

i need new glasses!

[quoteunquote]

or have a small roast.

[LankaMum]

Nooo - we can't get rid of her! Seriously, what would happen if we added another bantam? All out Sussex / Bantam war?

As soon as I wrote this post, I picked her up and put her out of the pen with the others. And would you believe it, half an hour later all 3 are sitting on the trampoline (!) together cackling at the postman. Hmm. Now I really don't know what to think?

[mummymeister]

...this is why it is called the pecking order! you have to try and let them sort it out for themselves. not a size issue i have had some tiny birds who will have a go at anything. hopefully now they have settled down though.