Single hen

[sunshinesupernova]

We had a predicament. Custard was living with three other chickens in the eglu - two of which were hatchlings she had been raised with. However, although initially "head" chook - the other three decided to seriously gang up on her and really did some damage.

 

Poor Custard had a very pecked face and one eye was very very swollen and totally shut. I had to remove her from the others and keep her in a 6ft rabbit hutch / run for a while. I really did think she was going to lose the eye.....

 

Thankfully - Custard has recovered well. I saw no point in putting her back with the original three who would no doubt gleefully attack her even more than they had initially.

 

Custard was TERRIFIED of everyone and everything at first, but I made a point of handling her several times a day. I then started free ranging her with the 7 girls at home.

 

At first, Custard would run off like the road runner the second she saw another chicken. They did put her in pecking order and Terminator chicken wasn't exactly easy on her. I'd bring her in a night and put her back in the hutch.

 

Custard then started roosting on top of the cube run - and it was easy for me to lift her off and put her to bed in the hutch. The last three days, I've taken her off the top of the cube and stuck her in the cube nesting box. The rest haven't so much as stirred when I've put her in - but poor Custard has been head in a corner and cowering in the run every morning. No feathers though to show she's really having a hard time.... But she still gives the others a wide berth though is now mingling when free ranging.

 

The chooks were going to bed tonight and Custard was once again on top of the cube run. I went out to shut them up and move Custard - only to find she'd put herself in the cube !!! Well done that chicken I also think she isn't too far from coming into lay now...

 

For those introducing a chicken to an existing flock - it isn't easy, but is possible..... don't think I want to do it again anytime soon though !

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Well done Custard & what a relief for you !

 

I hope all continues in a harmonious way!

 

Sha x

[Egluntyne]

Well done custard.

[poachedegg]

Well done Custard!

[The Dogmother]

That's great news