New hens not going into Eglu Go Up

[StephanieSB]

I had no idea how emotional and uncertain I'd feel about dealing with the pecking order and bullying when it arose -- but I feel like I did when my son is born. Not knowing if I am doing the right thing!

 

My Boudica, who appears to be the youngest (18.5 weeks or so, in with Nuit, another 18.5-er, and Phuzz, a 23 weeker) is definitely on the bottom of the pecking order. The top chicken, Nuit, sits guard at the door to the cube each night -- not letting Bou in until it gets so dark and she gets so desperate that she launches over her head and inside. Also, Bou either rushes to eat/drink first and get out of the others' way, or she waits to eat/drink last.

 

But what concerns me is that she slept in the nest box last night, and I found some of her feathers (about 3) inside the cube, and 2 more today in the run. Her lower back is definitely missing some feathers and looks 'bothered'. No blood.

 

So I spritzed her with anti-peck spray, and I want to block off the nest box tonght... but is that the right thing?

 

Will anti-peck spray only make her smell funny and be further ostracised?

 

Will blocking off the nest box only force her to be closer to the other two chickens, who may peck at her more?

 

Not sure what to do... if anything...?????

[Egg Lou]

Hi Stephanie

 

Sorry to hear your having issues but in my limited time with mine it does seem rather normal for the first couple of weeks.. my bluebelle is bottom of the pile and left out of every feeding frenzy.. blocked out of cube for first couple of nights and feathers pulled most days for first week or so..

 

It has settled down mostly now.. I made her stick up for herself regarding going in cube and although she has to go in last she does now push through on her own.. when they free range she followed me round like a dog for the first week but now is much more accepted by others.. the odd feather is pulled and she gets chased off at treat time so I give her hers by hand.. other than that all ok..

 

I would just give it time but if blood is shed then get advice from the experienced "mums" on here!

[StephanieSB]

Thanks, Lou.

 

What I decided to do for tonight was to just go take a long shower and leave them to sort themselves out. I watch them too much -- -- just sit at my window spying or out there about the run mithering them. They really aren't doing anything dramatic -- nothing like what I have heard and read here on the forum. I guess I am so protective of Boudica becasue (shh!) she's my favourite... and she's the smallest/youngest...

 

But anyway -- when I emerged from the shower, they were all in the cube, on the roost, egg box free and clear, asleep.

 

Somehow they figured it out.

 

I'm off to bed. Need my rest. I actually rise about 1 hr before the chickens, so I better get some shut eye.

[Helen&Lee]

 

The top chicken, Nuit, sits guard at the door to the cube each night -- not letting Bou in until it gets so dark and she gets so desperate that she launches over her head and inside.

 

 

That is what mine did when we first got them!

 

Also, if one went in before she should have Bertha would then go in and turf them out again!

 

I don't think the anti peck spray will hurt, feathers will be pulled here and there while they are settling in - if they draw blood you will need to take more drastic measures.

 

Personally, I would let her sleep in the nesting box if she wants to for now, you may find that when things settle down she will move onto the roosting bars of her own accord. Either way, if she is still doing it in a month's time you can rectify that then - when they are all more comfortable with each other.

 

Helen

Edited July 2, 2008 by Guest

[dancing cloud]

Three of mine still sleep in the nestbox and, since they're all up nice and early in the morning, I just let them as it doesn't interfere with anything. The other three try sleeping on the roof and have to be picked up and put in the run to put themselves to bed every night. If they were good girls, they could stay out, but they are noisy little wotsits at first light (4.43am), so they have to go inside. Even I don't love them at that time

 

Clover used to deliberately block the door and stop the others getting in - evil creature. After one night when Chance ended up sleeping in a corner of the yard by herself - I hadn't seen her there in the dark and found her looking very woebegone in the morning - I felt the need to take control and Clover got a squirt with the water pistol every time she wouldn't let someone in. I only need to show it to her now and she backs away - they learn very quickly. Maybe worth a try for a couple of nights until Nuit gives way?

[StephanieSB]

Oh, I am so glad to read Nuit is not alone in this behaviour... water pistol + patience + letting them get on with it/not interfering too much... sounds like sound advice.

 

Thanks!!

[frenchlayer]

I can see why you spend so much time just watching them if you have that very lovely purple chair and footstool to help you !!! lucky you I saw them at Chelsea flower year before last and was sorely tempted.

 

[StephanieSB]

I can see why you spend so much time just watching them if you have that very lovely purple chair and footstool to help you !!! lucky you I saw them at Chelsea flower year before last and was sorely tempted.

 

Oh my gosh, that's not a pic of my chair and garden! You all must think I am a very lucky gal indeed -- no, that is a beautiful, serene picture of all that I aspire to in life. So far, all I have is a blue JML footstool and a folding chair from my father-in-law's garage. But a gal can dream!