Cloud9 Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 Hi all, As many of you already know we sadly lost our Sophia on Sunday and replaced her with two youngsters, Buttercup and Daisy. Emily has bonded with Daisy already but poor Buttercup is still coming under attack (mainly being chased and a little pecking but could be a lot worse). I just wondered when we can let the youngsters out? I was thinking perhaps tomorrow or Saturday for about 1/2 hour before bed time to begin with but I just wondered if Emily would let Buttercup back into the Eglu run if she is still pecking at her? Thanks for any advice. Ali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 The advice is usually to keep them in the run for 5 days...so you should be fine tomorrow or Sat. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloud9 Posted May 15, 2008 Author Share Posted May 15, 2008 Thanks Eglutine! Can I ask another question as this is bugging me? Will the bullying of Buttercup stop soon. OH said Emily was trying to stand on Buttercup just now for one minute then the next they were all happy walking around each other? I can't stand the thought of her being bullied. There is no physical damage and she usually just runs out of the way if she can and I've noticed she is coming out more now rather than hide in the Eglu so I hope she isn't too badly affected. As you know I'm so new to all this and I find it quite hard at times. I just want peace and tranquility and all my girls to be friends. I know you can buy Ukadex but it seems quite expensive if this is just a short phase or does this sound as though the bullying warrants it? Ali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 (edited) The standing on her is just a dominance pecking order thing. Unless there is any vicious biting and blood is drawn, I would try not to worry to much and just let them sort themselves out. They soon develop strategies to keep things running smoothly. It generally takes about three weeks for peace to break out.....but the dynamic within the group will keep shifting and there may be the odd skirmish from time to time. All perfectly normal. Edited May 16, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloud9 Posted May 15, 2008 Author Share Posted May 15, 2008 Thanks!!!! I'm so trying not to worry but I hate the thought of anything getting hurt. There aren't any bald bits so I'll keep my fingers crossed I'll try to get OH to take some piccies of them all so you can all have a look - they really are stunning creatures. Ali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 Yes please! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 Hi Ali, Egluntine the Wise has spoken. It is worrying to see one of your hens picked (or pecked) on, but the lowest in the pecking order often devises some strategies to deal with the situation. Very much was the case with mine! If not, you can always come here for advice. Bunging the victim into a box and bringing it into your kitchen for respite care is always an option. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloud9 Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 Hi again and thanks!! Things are much much more settled today and the bullying has all but stopped (I think from what I can see) I was very heartened to see little Buttercup eating from the Grug feeder today and they have all been out together tonight. Very satisfying and I hope it continues. Thanks for the advice Ali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
