Cyber Chook Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Three weeks ago I got my chickens. My five girls all get along except that Olive, who seems to be the eldest and the biggest Miss Pepperpot, has suddenly become quite the playground bully. She has a real go at any passing Gingernut Ranger, going for their necks usually. I'm getting some Ukadex spray, and a water pistol. I haven't been able to get in to the run to pick the chooks up yet, and the garden isn't secure for them to free-range yet. Should I get one of those things you put on their beaks? I can't imagine being able to get close enough to her to catch and keep her still long enough. Maybe she's bored? I'm going to put up a mirror that i bought in a charity shop. They have a little basket with greenery to peck at, and I'm getting a Pecka Block too. Any other suggestions? (Blimey this is getting expensive!! ) Caroline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 yeah, stop spending money! are the other chickens bald yet? if not, then there's no problem! the sprays, bumper bits and so on are really for if she's drawing blood. A bit of playground bullying (great description by the way ) is path of the course. I didn't take note of how many birds you have and in what space, but as long as they're not too overcrowded they will be fine in their run. I am just curious though....what is preventing you from getting to the run for a cuddle? you are missing valuable bonding time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyber Chook Posted May 19, 2008 Author Share Posted May 19, 2008 Yes, I know, it's very sad! I have a Cube and run, and being 5'9" can't get through that annoying little door! Does anyone have any Alice In Wonderland potion I could borrow to shrink me down? We tried the netting run that I bought from Omlet, but Olive (it's always Olive isn't it) ]very nearly flew right over the top. We haven't dared try again. Thanks for the tip of not spending any more money However, we're going to build a walk-in run, and then everything will improve no end, and I can finally get my cuddles. I just had the best conversation, with Terry from Regency. He was brilliant, so helpful. E.g. (lovely deep Yorkshire accent) re: seed blocks, "Yer better off 'anging up 'alf a cabbage". I'm getting a load of other stuff sent to me, including Ukadex, so young Olive gets the message loud and clear before bad habits set in. Anyway, I highly recommend Regency. Terry said sensibly that it's early days, and they should settle soon, once the pecking order's sorted. Honestly I'm sure I wasn't this anxious when I had my babies Caroline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutrix Farmers Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Honestly I'm sure I wasn't this anxious when I had my babies Caroline I've done more research than when I was pregnant. We've yet to leave them for the night - should I give them a mobile phone so they can ring if they want to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surferdog Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 [quote name="Mutrix Farmers should I give them a mobile phone so they can ring if they want to? Don't count on the walk in run sorting it out. Some hens are just evil . Mine have a walk-in run with shrubs in, a mirror, a pecka block, one of Flo's patented Pollo Pinata's, a branch to climb on and a dustbath. Hyacinth still thinks it's more fun to chase the others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
