4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[tiggerlady]

Help needed please! Over the last few days Ive noticed that my amber star seems to be pulling feathers from the bluebelle,who just stands there and lets her do it! Im not sire if its bullying 'cos theyve been so happy together since the summer and when theyre out in the garden they get along just fine. Is it because theyve fallen out or perhaps shes doing her a favour as they might be going in to a moult? Im at a loss as to what is going on(Ithought it was all going too well!) as the blubelle doesnt seem stressed over it at all, but obviously I dont want it to get out of hand and messy. Any Ideas plese? Thanks..

[Egluntyne]

You could try spraying her with an anti peck spray. That might help.

[sandyhas3chucks]

someone told me that cod liver oil helps,... doesn't stop mine but it can't hurt, if they do it cos they are lacking something.I have one that does it to her pal, I tell her no when I see it. def NOT bullying, done very lovinly

[waders]

Hi tiggerlady,

I have been having the same problem with my Pepperpot, Minnie. She has lost feathers in the same places and looks very ropey! I was a bit concerned as I thought it was daft to moult when it is freezing! However, she is eating normally and her comb is erect and a good colour. As per advice on here, I have fed her some tuna which she loves.

It seemed to be getting better but yesterday my OH caught the 2 gingernuts pecking at her, really having a go and standing on her. We let just Minnie out and she had a good old roam around. I fed her seperately and let her back in to roost in the evening. This morning they were at her again and this time they have drawn blood.

I am really worried about her now. I have had them for a year and although there was a bit of pecking to establish who the boss was that had been all the trouble I have had. Is it just because she's moulting? She always has been the bottom of the pecking order. She is very timid and doesn't like to be picked up so to get hold of her is a stressful exercise for all involved.

I am going out now to try and find somewhere to buy anti-peck and gentian violet.

They are in an eglu run with an extension and I suppose I now have to think about splitting the run to keep Minnie safe. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do this? I had thought of getting OH to build a large cube out of chicken wire that would fit over the end of the run for Minnie to stay in so she would still be close to the others. Is she safe going in at night with them? What about laying, which she is still doing albeit erratically?

I will order some bumper bits, though I am a bit wary of fitting them, but I will have to wait for them to be delivered. What to do in the meantime?

 

Help please.

Lisa

[sandyhas3chucks]

i had a bullying prolem, Oh built an 8ft x 3ft extension to go at the end of the run. this needed a wooden wedge shape on Eglu end. we used a puppy play pen £22 for the sides and a larger one for the roof which we already had and an old dpog crate door endon the end. for a long long time ny bullied girl was on her own and much happier in there AND nrxt to her 2 nasty friends. I used to put a plastic cat travel basket in there for laying in, and funnily when they were doing their ablutions for pre bed time they were ok with her, she was always last in and had to fight for her spot. I got her a friend and long story. Anyway now have large walk in run, they still don't all 4 sleep togerther another story, but finally FINALLY all is workavle & I have only good expectations of all in together certainly in Summer.

I found the shape of Eglu & even the extension made wasn't conducive to happy chooking for my 3/4.

 

I hope this helps. till the others come along.

[waders]

Thanks Sandyhas3chucks

I have been everywhere today to try and find stuff to help. all to no avail

I had decided on a cat basket like you mentioned (I could always use it to transport them if needed) which I would put at the open door to the run. Then was going to partition off that end of the run so Minnie could be there and the other 2 the other side. Minnie would then have her own area and 'nest box', but couldn't get a cat box - everywhere shut. Am going to try to keep Minnie in doors in a box tonight. OH has been building a small separate run for her.

LATER.......

Well, have just spent 15mins trying to catch Minnie! No chance, she may not have many feathers and be feeling sorry for herself but boy can she run! Made her a nice cosy box up for her to sleep in but no......she was mooching round the run trying to get in with the 2 bullies. I have begrudgingly let her in to sleep with them as I found a bottle of anti-peck spray and managed to get her but when I open up tomorrow at 'sparrowfart' (as my OH calls it), she is being separated again before they can start on her. I shall be straight out to get my hands on Gentian Violet (does anyone know where to buy it apart from on-line?)

I have tried to give them stuff to do and they are let out most days for an hour or so but I am beginning to think that I need a bigger run for them. After reading other threads about putting in straw bales for her to hide behind and mezzanine floors for them to jump up on I'm beginning to think I didn't look into all this very well when I first got them. Daren't tell OH as I know we definitely can't afford a beautiful walk in run at present (or in the near future).

 

Lisa )

[waders]

I am so sorry tiggerlady,

I have done it again - I have taken over your thread. I know it is very bad etiquette to do this and I remember now why I only read the threads and try not to take part.

I am so sorry. I hope your bluebelle is doing better.

 

Lisa

[sandyhas3chucks]

Lisa I have pm'd you. incase I can help. Not sure what it is you are trying to buy that you need. sandy