Hen Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 i had to chnage a chicken due to illness. the new chicken is now being henpecked and is not allowed out of the eglu. i have been putting food and water in and letting the others to free range in the hope she will venture out. how long is this likely to go on for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 (edited) It usually takes one to three weeks - probably nearer the longer end of that since you're introducing one chicken to three established ones (never easy!). One thing you could try is dividing up the run with canes so the others can see her but not get to her - there's a sticky topic "Introducing a chicken 1:1" that has photos. If the others are laying, maybe you could confine them at the eglu end and put your new girl at the run door end? EDIT - here's the link: http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12688 The box part isn't essential - if they are OK at night in the eglu but not during the day, you can just let them all sleep together. Edited March 20, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 It usually takes three weeks for peace to break out. You are doing all you can. She will pluck up courage eventually. Do you mean the Eglu itself or do you mean that she won't venture out of the run into the garden? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Posted March 20, 2008 Author Share Posted March 20, 2008 thank you - i am taking her out of the eglu she is happy to run around the garden and feeding - now only has 2 tail feathers since last night! and blood stained comb!.i have kept the ring leader hen in the run while the other 2 and her have the garden as they seem to be ok with her. at night they are obviously attacking her what do you do then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 Correct me if I'm wrong, but if there's argy bargy it's likely to be in the early morning before you let them out I think. I know some people advise against it, but I leave the house door open (obviously, secure the run!) if I think there's a chance of a fight. (Superjules ducks and runs for cover!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 I leave mine open all year round. I'm not ducking for cover....I am happy that the Eglu and run are secure and well weighed down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Posted March 20, 2008 Author Share Posted March 20, 2008 thank you - i will leave the door open at night - they are secure. i have now ordered some beak rings , on advise of omlet chicken expert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...