2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[jills]

I'm hoping for some advice as to what to do about Thurza. Ever since we got Hetty last August Thurza has dominated her by regularly jumping on her back. Now Hetty's shoulders are really red and sore, and having seen a case of attempted cannabilism, I'm really worried that they will turn on her because of the red marks which are clearly visible. I tried isolating Thurza for 2 days, but when reintroduced she just carried on with the same bad behaviour. She is now back on her own, but can see the others and is very unhappy. Has anyone else had experience of a hen dominating in this way, or a successful strategy for dealing with it?

[Redwing]

I have never had this experience so can't really help however you can get poultry 'saddles' which are fabric/canvas/leather and cover a hens back to protect it against over-enthusiastic cockerels so one of those might give her feathers and skin a bit of a chance to recover?

[jills]

I've not heard of one of those, but it could be worth a try. However, I would also really like to stop the behaviour as she might start on one of the others and then they'd all end up wearing saddles!

[Jules.]

our buzz- also a dominant chook began this after she had moulted- we solved this by pressing down on her back lightly (this is what a cockeral would do and the chickens should see you as a cockeral) the idea is to show her that you are dominant over her and puts her in her place a little

[jills]

Thanks, I'll try this, she certainly rarely crouches like the others do - clearly I need to let her know who's boss!! I'm glad I'm not the only one to have experienced this, but it does seem to be quite unusual.

[miffy]

SOOOOOO glad to find this thread!!!!!!

Primrose in in a cube separated from Violent and Daisy, however they have freeranged together quite happily un til yesterday when they ganged up on Primrose (again) Today Violent kept charging at her and then started to jump on her back , Daisy just keeps pecking her again!!!

I shall try the pressure on the back thing........if I can get near them.....thanks