Chicken bald back

[mayflower]

You probably know this already, but make sure you are with the hens, not just when you are giving them something to eat. Clean out their run and henhouse when they are near you for a major reason. You have to show them, especially Maggie that YOU are top hen and wo'nt stand for any nonsense. When you are cleaning out the run, lay your hand on the back of Maggie, and if, she is old enough she will squat. You are sending her a message that you are the boss. Also, picking her up and...for example dousing her with red mite powder under her wings and vent..as well as for health, again sends out a message to hens that you are in charge. If, while you are with them, Maggie shows signs of aggression, carry out the above, if this does'nt work, flick her with a tea towel and set HER running in front of the other two hens. It wo'nt hurt her, just sends the message that you are top hen. I'm sure she will settle down soon. If not....then you will have to think again. We have a responsibility to protect all our hens, not just the one that is getting all the attention through bully behaviour. My Alice had a 'killer' instinct when we rescued her and two of my hens' lives were in danger. Among other things which are appropriate to ex bats, we fitted a bumper bit for a few weeks. She is now a very sweet natured hen. Comes to me regardless if I have food or not...just comes to see me. So hang in there for a while. Good luck.

[Laura & CTB]

I'm so glad you've decided to hang on in there Helen - please let us know how it goes

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Me too! After advising you to get rid , I'm glad you're keeping her. Hope she starts behaving herself soon .

[dancing cloud]

Glad to hear you're giving her a chance to redeem herself and fingers crossed it all works out well.

 

Looking at Mayflower's reply reminds me that a quick squirt from a water pistol can also divert them from whatever mischief they're in and reinforce your top-hen position. Tesco's are currently selling them for £1 and mine was definitely money well spent. Obviously it doesn't hurt them and it does stop them attacking each other, being noisy in the early hours, blocking the door so no one could go to bed, scoffing the geraniums (until my back was turned ) etc.

 

After a couple of goes with it, I now usually only have to show the water pistol to the offender to make them stop, as they learn very quickly (to wait until your back is turned )

 

Let us know how you get on.

[..lay a little egg for me]

Hi

 

Just to add to what every one else has said really.

 

I'm glad you have decided to keep her. My top bird, Rosie, occsionally needs putting in her place. I haven't tried pinning her down, but I have been known to chase her round the walk-in run a bit to remind her that, actually, I'm in charge!

 

Works with the husband, too!

[Bootscooter Nell]

Looking at Mayflower's reply reminds me that a quick squirt from a water pistol can also divert them from whatever mischief they're in and reinforce your top-hen position. Tesco's are currently selling them for £1 and mine was definitely money well spent. Obviously it doesn't hurt them and it does stop them attacking each other, being noisy in the early hours, blocking the door so no one could go to bed, scoffing the geraniums (until my back was turned ) etc.

 

Thank you Dancing Cloud, I like that idea, I'll give that one a go It's so true that they misbehave when your back is turned, I told Maggie off several times when she went after Lisa whilst I was around, now she tends to only do it when she thinks I'm not looking. Actually, it has been very quiet out there today, perhaps things are finally beginning to settle down.

[Guest]

..... I told Maggie off several times when she went after Lisa whilst I was around, now she tends to only do it when she thinks I'm not looking. Actually, it has been very quiet out there today, perhaps things are finally beginning to settle down.

 

 

she's learning already! Positive signs

[Bootscooter Nell]

she's learning already! Positive signs

I think she is Poet. I took out some left over cabbage and brocoli earlier and although they all attacked it with gusto they were all very civilised about it. Whether it was for my benefit as I stood and watched them but it shows they can do it when they want to. I must admit, I have increased their food slightly as they are all laying every day and have certainly all blossomed since we got them perhaps that is also helping the situation.

[cluckbok]

..... I told Maggie off several times when she went after Lisa whilst I was around, now she tends to only do it when she thinks I'm not looking. Actually, it has been very quiet out there today, perhaps things are finally beginning to settle down.

 

Oh sorry Bootscooter, I shouldn't be laughing! sounds like you've been telling kids off!!

 

Sounds like you're doing good though, the waterpistol sounds like a good idea.

They are like naughty children eh.

[sandyhas3chucks]

My 3 ex bats are 6 weeks with us tommorrow, & having some of same bullying problem with one. Thank you all for your suggestions about Maggie (Was it?) But you have given a boost and some ideas & IMPORTANTLY hope that it will settle down. I feel we can't go out for long becausse of the bullying in the run! Allok when free ranging though