Eglu cube or go up with 2m run

[miffy]

She seems brighter this morning, went straight to her food & drink, drank more than ate. Have bathed her and given Baytril.....easier once we had her wrapped in a towel. She is currently perched on the bar under the kitchen table. Once it has warmed up I will put her in her temp run for a few hours. the run has been attached to the side of the eglu run, so they maintain sight and knowlege of each other. (OH & YS think she should be out there now, but I am enjoying this time with her....which seems odd really as I only have this opportunity because of the problems) I have watched her preening herself, and she has certainly pecked the wound area a good few times, I guess time will tell if its her or the others doing the pecking.

 

I have tried to learn more about the preen gland, googled it but didnt find anything that seemed appropriate, can anyone suggest a site or book I could get from the library?

[helenmb]

I have tried to learn more about the preen gland, googled it but didnt find anything that seemed appropriate, can anyone suggest a site or book I could get from the library?

Glad she seems much better today.

 

I have several chicken related books but can't seem to find anything in them about the preen glad and like you nothing much on the web either? However, one book that I have found really useful is a 'Teach Yourself' one called Keeping Poultry by Victoria Roberts - she is the Honorary Veterinary Surgeon for The Poultry Club so I feel her words are very informed. Its not a flashy picture book and sound practical advice on keeping not just Chickens but Ducks, Geese etc. You can get it from The Book Depository for £6.42 (£9.99 rrp) including delivery or Amazon here or here is a Google search for other suppliers.

Well worth getting IMHO.

[Egluntyne]

From 'tinterweb.

 

The uropygial gland, or, more informally, the preen gland is a gland found in the large majority of birds that secretes an oil (preen oil) that birds use for preening. The chief compounds of preen oil are diester waxes called uropygiols.

 

The gland is found near the base of the tail and is shaped into two symmetric parts. The oil of each part of the gland is secreted through the surface of the skin through a grease nipple-like nub. A bird will typically transfer this oil to its feathers by rubbing its head against the oil and then around the rest of the body. Tailward areas are usually preened utilizing the beak.

 

Not all birds have a uropygial gland. Exceptions include the emu, ostrich, and bustards. These typically find other means to stay clean and dry, such as taking a dust bath. See also powder down. On the other hand, the uropygial gland is strongly developed in many waterbirds, such as ducks (but not in cormorants which are also highly aquatic). It appears[citation needed] that the waterproofing effect is not primarily by the uropygiols - although they are hydrophobic - but by applying an electrostatic charge to the oiled feather through the mechanical action of preening. When eating duck or goose, the preen gland is left over or already removed uninjured during preparation, as the uropygiols have a musty, rancid taste

.

[miffy]

Thanks, think I found the nubs, and they look ok to me (not that I know anything ) She is much perkier today. She ate loads yesterday, she is the smallest of the 3 by far.

I will get some cat food today for her to up her protein intake as suggested on another thread.

Please could you tell me if they should be pecking each other at all. I stood watching the 2 in the eglu run this morning and noticed that Daisy who is by far the largest was having the odd peck at violet, I checked them both over and violet does look as if she has a few feathers missing. I think I may need to take Daisy out and put Primrose back in, but Im not sure.

Primroses poo was black first thing today then it became very liquid and sort of mucusy is this caused by the baytril?

Im sorry to keep asking so many questions, I really do appreciate your help

[Egluntyne]

Inevitably there will be the odd squabble, but nothing more than that.

 

Perhaps the bossy one needs a bumpa bit?

[sandyhas3chucks]

It is dificult to know exactly what you mean by pecking, as I have observed all 4 of mine to different hens doing what can perhaps be best described as social grooming, it is very different to the nasty pecking I have witnessed & then I have one (rescued from sad story) who seems to be just a feather plucker, done in love & kindness to her best friend.we wondered if it is just a habit she had picked up from her 1st home where she was 1 off 2 kept in cramped conditions, maybe started in boredom. Or perhaps a reflex from being attacked at her 2nd home. Or she just likes the taste?

[Groovychook]

Hi Miffy,

When my bossy girl, Hilda started pecking the others, she ended up drawing blood from Elsie and we went through a couple of weeks of stressful & time consuming separations. As soon as Hilda was fitted with a bumpa bit, peace returned to the flock and they were instantly able to hang out together again. It seemed like an extreme measure to take at the time but I'm so glad that we did it... Hilda was used to wearing her 'beak jewellery' within half an hour and 2 months down the line, it doesn't bother her in the slightest!

Pleased to hear that Primrose is on the mend!

[miffy]

just an update, Primrose much improved. Daisy is definatly the culprit as Violet had now lost a few feathers!!!!! I have ordered Bumpa bits from Wernlas having spoken to a very helpful lady.

 

UPDATE..... Primrose back to normal feisty self...chased Millie (ESS) round the garden..

[helenmb]

Great news Miffy - naughty Daisy - hopefully the Bumpa bit will sort her out. As one breeder said to me when I was talking to them about intros "sometimes chickens are just not nice" and don't we know!

[Groovychook]

That's good to hear Miffy!!

Hopefully things will be back to normal soon!

[Mutrix Farmers]

So glad Primrose is getting better. Naughty Daisy!!!!

[miffy]

We have just fitted the bumper bit onto Daisy, who was very good whilst we had a few attempts

She initially kept trying to knock it off but seems to be slowly accepting it, however.......Violet keeps trying to peck the bumper bit not sure if its revenge or shes just interested

 

edited to add,

 

the wind has rendered out temp run unusable and unsafe so we have had to put Primrose in with the other 2.....