Why is my chicken being kept away from the feeder? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your chicken is being kept away from the feeder, bullying is a common reason. It can also happen when there’s not enough feeding space, the feeder is in a poor spot, or one bird is being picked on because it seems weaker, younger or more timid.

It’s worth checking the flock setup first, because many feeder access problems are caused by pecking order pressure rather than a single obvious fault.

Things To Check

1. Watch the flock at feeding time and note whether one bird is chased, pecked or blocked away from the feeder.

2. Check whether the feeder is crowded, too small or only has one access point that dominant birds can guard.

3. Look at where the feeder is placed and whether corners, narrow runs or hidden spots are making it easier for one bird to be excluded.

4. Check the bullied chicken for weight loss, droppings changes, feather damage, wounds or reduced energy.

5. Make sure there is enough feed available and that it is fresh, dry and easy to reach.

6. Notice whether the problem is worse at certain times, such as when the flock is hungry, after a routine change or when new birds have been added.

7. Check that the bird can still drink normally, as feeder bullying sometimes goes along with general blocking of access to resources.

Common Causes

Bullying within the flock is the most common cause. More dominant birds may guard the feeder and push others away, especially if space is tight.

Feeder placement can also play a part. If the feeder is in a narrow or exposed area, a nervous bird may avoid it even if it isn’t being pecked constantly.

Too little feeding space, a feeder that’s difficult to use, or competition from several birds at once can make the problem worse.

Sometimes a bird that is unwell, injured or just lower in the flock gets singled out because it looks weaker or moves less confidently.

What To Do

Start by giving the flock more feeding access. If possible, use more than one feeder and place them in different spots so one bird can’t guard them all.

Move the feeder to a more open area where birds can approach and leave without getting trapped.

If one chicken is being pushed away regularly, watch the flock closely over a few days and note when it happens and which birds are involved.

Check the bullied bird every day for eating, drinking, weight and general behaviour. A bird that is consistently missing out may need closer attention.

If you’ve recently added new birds, introduced changes to housing, or altered the routine, give the flock a little time and keep observations going. Sudden changes can increase tension.

Separate the bird temporarily only if it’s clearly being prevented from eating, losing condition, or being injured, and make sure any separation is done safely and thoughtfully.

Products That May Help

Simple coop and run cleaning routines can make it easier to keep feeding areas tidy and spot flock issues early. This collection may be useful if you’re reviewing the wider setup around your birds.

Poultry & Smallholding

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