4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Mrs Slats]

We collected our 4 ex batts on Saturday ans since then 3 have settled very nicely and are scratching around like proper hens.

 

But Dixie is obviously not a happy hen. she's very lethargic, last out of the hen house in the morning and by late afternoon is nodding off in the run. We are out all day but I've not seen her eat for the last couple of days.

 

She's obviously being picked on by the others, there are a few feathers around today and I've noticed the others go for her a couple of times.

 

I'm worried that she's just going to start getting weaker and weaker and slip downhill.

 

Any suggestions of how I can help her find her feet. I was thinking of tucking her into bed early with a bowl of food and water so she can have some peace and quiet from the others for a bit.

[SAB]

I have seen others on forum suggesting rescue remedy - not sure how much you should use - hopefully someone will answer who does.

[*mummy_hen*]

Hi Mrs Slats,

 

Won't be much help as don't rescue my ex-batts till next week and never owned chickens before, but just wanted to say i hope Dixie perks up soon - keep us updated.

[cluckbok]

Hi ya,

 

Not sure how much resuce remedy but that sounds a good idea.

 

Also could try putting in more food and water bowls so they don't fight over them and push her away. Hopefully they should settle down after a few days once the pecking order sorted out. Could be the heat why she's having a nap in the run. They do tend to do that a little. Someone else may be along with more ideas. Hope she gets on ok.

[Phosphorus]

The heat has really been getting to mine so could be a combination of several things - heat and pecking order. Agree with putting in extra food and drink stations though in case they are keeping her away.

 

Incidently my Gemma was totally not herself yesterday, lethargic, really quiet and apathetic - not at all her lively normal self. Today she seems totally back to normal and all I can think is that it was the heat.

Hopefully your girl will buck up and the pecking order will sort itself out

[Egluntyne]

Why not take her out of the run a couple of times a day and see if she will eat when she is on her own.

 

 

The suggestion that you put extra food and water "stations" out is a good one. Put out three as they are only able to "man" two, and that way everyone gets a chance to snatch some food.

[Abbey Road Girl]

Just want to send best wishes and positive vibes to you and Dixie, Mrs Slats. Hope that she will take hold soon. She may still be adjusting. I have watched my Truffle at the bottom of the pecking order develop clever strategies and hope that Dixie will learn how to hold her own.

[Slats]

Well she has perked up and is now eating and drinking after we started putting extra bowls of food and the odd bowl of water in there. We are keeping a very close eye on her though