Chicken bullying: how to stop pecking order chaos (without pretending it’s fine)

First: when it’s urgent

If you see any of the below, stop Googling and get proper help (urgent vet / poultry expert):

• Blood has been drawn or skin is exposed.
• The victim isn’t eating/drinking or can’t access the feeder.
• Relentless chasing with no break, especially in a small run.
• A bird is being attacked on the roost (night isn’t safe).
• Any bird looks weak/ill — sick birds get targeted fast.

Quick checks (60 seconds)

• Check run space: overcrowding is the #1 bullying trigger.
• Add extra feeders/waterers: can the bullied bird eat without being chased?
• Do you have visual barriers/hides (plants, panels, boxes) to break line-of-sight?
• Was there a new bird added recently (integration issues)?
• Are there enough perch spots for the whole flock?
• Is boredom high (no foraging, no enrichment, same tiny area)?

Likely causes (the usual suspects)

• Not enough space (especially run space).
• Single feeding station creating a choke point.
• Boredom and lack of foraging/enrichment.
• Poor integration of new birds (no gradual intro).
• Mixed ages/sizes where small birds can’t compete.
• An unwell bird being targeted.

What to do today

1. Separate the victim somewhere safe to eat, drink, and recover.
2. Add at least one extra feeder and water station, far apart.
3. Add cover/hides and cheap enrichment (scatter feed, hanging veg, perches).
4. If space is tight, expand the run or increase free-range time (if safe).
5. Reintroduce gradually (side-by-side pen) rather than throwing birds together.