Got 3 hens yesterday but one is being picked on

[NappyShedSal]

Two of them (a speckledy and a red warren) seem to have palled up and are just picking on the 3rd ( a bluebelle). I know they have to establish their pecking order, but how long do I let her be picked on?

I am afraid you have to let it carry on unless there is real physical damage happening. this is why its the pecking order! if you take her out then you would have to keep her separate for ever so there isnt really any other option.

I think you have to get another one, take bluebelle out for a while then re-introduce them together?

How bad is the picking on? I got my 4 new ones yesterday. I was watching this morning and it was very much a case of the two big ones insisting on eating first - but when they'd finished, the other two could sneak in there, so they weren't going hungry. And there were little pecks but not on vulnerable areas.
If there was blood being drawn, or the birds at the bottom not getting enough to eat or drink, I'd be concerned; as it is I'm not worried though will of course keep a close eye.
With my old flock, the two little Gingernut Rangers used to boss the big fat Sussex about with the occasional peck but never any injury. It's just how chickens are.

There's been no blood drawn. When they're free ranging two just go everywhere together and teh bluebelle happily pecks elsewhere. But if the speckledy sees her she rushes at her and chases her away from wherever she was happily minding her own business. In the run she gets pecked at more, but not continually. I think it's going to be OK, but I am watching. And the bluebelle has become my favourite by far as i feel so sorry for her!

But we got our first egg yesterday - we think from the warren. Only about 799 more til they've paid for themselves.