4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Peaches]

Poor old Samosa, first she gets attacked by my dog, now the other 3 are picking on her. I kept her apart the first night after I took her to the vets after the attack, but then put her back in with the others. Noodle, the most aggressive, would peck her now and then.

 

But this morning when I let them out, I noticed the mild-mannered Priscilla was doing it too and even Celeste The others are putting on weight, but Samosa is still pretty thin and a bit low on feathers. The puncture marks are healing but I am worried. I hate to see the weakest being picked on.

 

I let them free range during the day so that Samosa isn't trapped in the run and can't escape.

 

Any advice, please??

Edited May 7, 2009 by Guest

[moochoo]

It's really difficult to watch but it is natural hen behaviour. Hen's that are unwell or weak get picked on awfully. Is there any way you could segrigate Samosa until she's better but still be in sight of the others, perhaps using a dog crate or similar?

Offer her some corn in the afternoons to help her put on weight and build her strength up.

You could always put bumpa bits on the other girls to reduce the harm done by the peckers if you can't separate.

[Patricia W]

I'd get some purple spray, bumpa bits and/or the foul smelling spray Ukadex in - in case it gets too bad. You don't want blood to be drawn.

[quickcluck]

Good idea... the purple spray will help should there be any wounds. The bumper bits come from

 

www.wernlas.com

 

give them a phone. Hope things improve for you soon....

[Peaches]

Thanks, guys. Bumpa bits - I had a look on the site but couldn't see what they are - are they plastic things to put on their beaks or something??

 

And corn. Dim Question Alert: what sort of corn? In a tin, on a cob, or is there some other type of corn I should be getting?

 

Thanks - I could put Samosa back in the dog crate if it gets bad, but when I did that this morning she was not impressed. She loves to free range.

 

Fiona

[moochoo]

Hi yes bumpa bits are a plastic anti pecking bit that goes onto their beaks. You can buy them for the cost of few postage stamps from here: http://www.wernlas.com/

Tinned corn is fine but I would offer her some dried mixed corn that you can buy either from your poultry supplier or sold as bird food in pet shops. It's too high calorie for regular use but ideal for helping a poorly girls put on a few ounzes.

[The Dogmother]

I'd take the agressors out and put them in solitary for a bit - that'll sort them out and you won't have the worry of re-introducing Samosa.