Anti Pecking Spray

Not tried it Brom, sorry.. I've always been advised to keep any newbies separate from the main flock for a week or two, preferably where they can all see each other and get used to each other for a while before mixing them in together, and also to act as a mini 'quarantine' just in case they bring something nasty with them. I still have problems when they finally get together, but possibly less than there would have been if I'd introduced them straight away? And it's normally the other end of the hierarchy that does the bullying here, the older hens are much more tolerant of newcomers provided they learn their place! I was told this is because the older ones feel more secure and less threatened by newbies, but the bottom of the heap has to fight to maintain their own position. So maybe you're right and could try separating the matriarch for a while, since things sound a bit topsy turvy with your lot! Maybe someone else will come along soon with some alternative suggestions too . Have you tried the stinky stuff on them yet?

Thanks Kathy, I haven't tried the 'smelly stuff' yet but I think I will give it a go today and see what happens, I'll post on here in a week or so with the results...although as of this morning there are still no signs of any serious injuries.
I hadn't thought about it, but it probably is the hens at the bottom who are bullying, it sounds a very logical explanation to me. I just took it for granted that it would be the matriarch.
Anyway, I'm off to find old clothes, a mask and rubber gloves to apply this anti pecking spray...should be fun.

I've used it. Mine seemed to "lick" it off the hen being bullied. Did stop the hard pecking.. It generally took about 2 months before she was accepted. In the end, I just made sure they had enough space to get away from each other and had places to hide.

Thanks Chris, it does seem as though things are begining to quiet down I'm not sure if it's due to the spray or the natural way of things. As there is no hard pecking I think I will do the same as you and let them get on with it.

Considering we had so many poultry, looking back, pecking was a very minor problem, mind you they had large runs. But if we ever had a problem I can remember my dad getting out his penknife and cutting about3mm off the end of her top beak. Not both beaks. This prevents the nipping action which is so damaging.