AJuff Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 The three rescued marans are still not looking good. Despite yukky ukadex and purple spray they are still featherless in the tail and bottom regions. I am now seriously considering moving them into the eglu away from the others and putting bumper bits on all three. They have been sprayed with Xeno 200 and are mite/worm free so hopefully they will grow new feathers! Is it cruel to keep two flocks of hens? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 No, it isn't cruel to have two separate flocks. A friend of mine used to breed chickens and had several flocks to stop any interbreeding. I can't see any problem with that at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 I don't think so, it would be no different to me and my neighbour both owning hens either side of a fence surely? It wouldn't even occur to them to be worried so I certainly wouldnt be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted February 12, 2009 Author Share Posted February 12, 2009 Thanks for that. Will move them out at the weekend when half term begins!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chookiehen Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Surely it would only be cruel if you kept one bird separate from the others? The main thing is to make sure that they are happy, and if two flocks is the only way to settle them, then you don't really have a choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 I have 3 flocks at the moment....well 3 little ones anyway! It will be fine, at least your being wise and splitting up the peckers from the pecked Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 I've had two flocks before now. Not cruel at all. Keep them within sight of each other and you may be able to try a reintroduction later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LJ's Chooks Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 Have you tried bumper bits... it may help? we use them to manage naughty chooks, and they seems to do the job. They do learn to still tug the odd feather, but it prevents any real damage been done (so far... touch wood!) we replace them every other month, as unfortunately they have not cured our girls, but they do definitely help manage the issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
