koo2cat Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 We have had our 4 hens and cube since Mar. From the start we have had problems with a hen "Hetty" pecking the other hens . During the day they are in a run which is approx 5m by 10m, so plenty of space I would have thought. My other 3 hens look dreadful, one of them has a red raw chest! We have tried the following: Solitary confinment Stockholm Tar Ukadex Gentian Violet Bumper Bit (she learnt to peck with it on!) Pecka Blocks Now what? I phoned Omlet for some advice and they said to either put the hen down or set her free somewhere to fend for herself until her life meets a natural or unatural end. Omlets advice seems a bit harsh to me and although she is very naughty I would feel rather cruel putting her to sleep or leaving her for Mr Fox to get. She is really beautiful and a good layer and full of character but I am at my wits end now and wondered if any of you Omleteers had a big enough flock with possibly a cockerel to keep her in check. I know it is not a good idea to introduce just one hen but in a big flock surely it is less of an issue. Failing that, maybe she could live on her own, I actually think she is the sort of hen that would like that! Any further advice or offers of a home gratefully received! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I phoned Omlet for some advice and they said to either put the hen down or set her free somewhere to fend for herself until her life meets a natural or unatural end. Sorry to hear about your troublesome hen, I know how frustrating and stressful a pecking hen is. I would agree with you that the above advice is rather odd to say the least, if it were me personally I would seek maybe a new home in a free range flock possibly on a farm or similar...she sounds like she would be happy somewhere like that. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I phoned Omlet for some advice and they said to either put the hen down or set her free somewhere to fend for herself until her life meets a natural or unatural end. I am really surprised to hear that! Did you get the name of the individual who gave you that appalling advice? Sorry I can't help. I'm chock a block at the mo. Is there a city farm or similar nearby? Somewhere with a rooster who will teach her some manners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I am that someone on the Omlet staff would suggest such advice. Sorry I cant help but hope you find a solution soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsallen08 Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Thats really bad advice! I hope you find a home for her Im sure someone will be able to take her in, especially if she's a good layer :> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 That's shocking advice! I think you are right that she may behave herself in a bigger flock with some older hens and maybe a cockerel too. Fingers crossed you find a home for her. Egluntine, surely that should be "chook-a-block"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Egluntine, surely that should be "chook-a-block"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Egluntine, surely that should be "chook-a-block"! Very good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmerJules Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 We have had our 4 hens and cube since Mar. From the start we have had problems with a hen "Hetty" pecking the other hens . During the day they are in a run which is approx 5m by 10m, so plenty of space I would have thought. My other 3 hens look dreadful, one of them has a red raw chest! We have tried the following: Solitary confinment Stockholm Tar Ukadex Gentian Violet Bumper Bit (she learnt to peck with it on!) Pecka Blocks Now what? I phoned Omlet for some advice and they said to either put the hen down or set her free somewhere to fend for herself until her life meets a natural or unatural end. Omlets advice seems a bit harsh to me and although she is very naughty I would feel rather cruel putting her to sleep or leaving her for Mr Fox to get. She is really beautiful and a good layer and full of character but I am at my wits end now and wondered if any of you Omleteers had a big enough flock with possibly a cockerel to keep her in check. I know it is not a good idea to introduce just one hen but in a big flock surely it is less of an issue. Failing that, maybe she could live on her own, I actually think she is the sort of hen that would like that! Any further advice or offers of a home gratefully received! googled city farms west midds...found this.... http://www.gorsehillcityfarm.org.uk might be worth a thought?? best of luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyReckless Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I wouldn't call it bad advice, just not terribly compassionate advice. Sometimes a pet is just too much of a problem to be solved with training, and rehousing can't be found. I've had friends who've had to put dogs down because of biting despite measures being taken, and I can see that a hen who won't stop attacking its flock-mates is a similar problem. Urban farms are well worth a try. Ringing the original breeder might work out, too - if they have a farm flock with a cockerel, that could sort your hen's aggression out! Ultimately, you did not make her aggressive and you have done your level best to sort it out. You have the welfare of all your pets to consider. Don't beat yourself up, even if the ultimate outcome is a trip to the vet. so sorry you are facing this and I do very much hope a home for Hetty can be found! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moochoo Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 I've pm'd you with the details of a lady who could possibly help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 I too was a little at the advice given. I think the city farm idea is a good one. Worth a try at the very least. Good luck. I appreciate how hard it must be to have got to this stage. *hugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 What a shame . I hope you find someone to take her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 I sent a Gingernut to a farm, and have never had the slightest regrets. She used to peck her best "friend" until she bled, and learnt to pull feathers while wearing a bumper bit. She was lively and intelligent too, but wanted more out of life than I was able to give her. As soon as she arrived at the farm she stood on a log and gave a cockerel one of her scary looks, and I knew she would be all right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koo2cat Posted September 24, 2008 Author Share Posted September 24, 2008 Thank you all so much for your replies. It is really heartwarming to see so many kind and helpful people out there. I too thought Omlet's response a little strange. I was hoping they would offer to take the hen back but I guess they would just dispatch her so just as well they didn't offer. I didn't get the name of the lady I spoke to but she said it would be in the interest of the other hens to have her put to sleep. Whilst reading your posts this morning I had a brainwave. We recently rescued two rabbits from an animal rescue centre about 5 miles from where we live. They have lots of hens and cockerels roaming free amongst lots of other animals in a farm like setting. I am going to call them this morning and see if they will have Hetty. We could then go and visit her often!! If they can't take her then I will look into the other options some of you kindly suggested. I will let you know how we get on. I must end by saying I am a little dissapointed by Omlets response. They have made alot of money out of us and I know many people have problems with pecking hens bought from them. I think it is time they changed their breed of hens!!!!! Here's hoping this problem that has gone on for 6 months will soon be sorted and we get a happy outcome for all my hens!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 Where in west mids are you? My sister might like her, as she lives on a farm - has a massive walk in fox proof enclosure - the size of a paddock & Roy, Norris & Vernon the cockerels would keep her in check! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koo2cat Posted September 24, 2008 Author Share Posted September 24, 2008 Thank you Emma, we are near Solihull. I have phoned the rescue centre this morning and left a message so just waiting for them to get back to me. I am fairly optamistic that they will take her but I will bear your sister in mind if I have no luck there. Thank you everyone!!!! Will let you know the outcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyReckless Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 Very best of luck - hope it is all sorted out soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 Thank you Emma, we are near Solihull. Another local! Have you tried Umberslade Childrens Farm or Hatton Farm? Both are close by and im sure if they couldnt help they would point you in the right direction Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mot336 Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 Hope you get sorted soon! It would be great if you were able to visit her like you say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrs chook Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 Hope you find a quick and happy solution soon . at Omlet's advice. *hugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
