Single hen

[sunshinesupernova]

I've got 3 hybrids and a white sussex in an eglu. The sussex and two hybrids came together. One of these is the chook who is now being bullied. The white sussex seems to be the instigator.

 

I added the other hybrid at the same time as they all went to live in the eglu - and for the first few days, all seemed rosey.

 

Now, the bluebelle ? (maran x) wouldn't come out the eglu today when the others were in the run and one of her eyes is closed and face looks swollen on one side with feathers missing by her eye.

 

I've removed her from the eglu and she's now in a 6ft rabbit hutch in the shed at home. She's eating and drinking ok now removed from the others.

 

If her eye isn't looking better in the morning, she'll be off to see the vet.

 

I'm thinking that it won't be wise to try putting her back in the cube - as they've obviously really hurt her. Would it be best when recovered to try and introduce her to the 6 I have free ranging in the garden and living in the cube... or is that asking for trouble too. I want to do the best thing for her and realise ONE outcast or new incomer is really going to get a hard time.

 

Any ideas appreciated

[Egluntyne]

Instead of removing her, why not remove the instigator?

 

Having a hard time with the free ranging 6 might teach her some manners.

 

Articles on managing intros **here**

 

Another idea would be to put a bumper bit on the bully.

[quickcluck]

I put a bumper bit on our bully last week, and it seems things have improved