twinkle1001 Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Hi, We rescued 3 ex-batts last August and lost one (Agnes) after a week to a vius. On Tuesday of this week we sadly had to have a second one (Marlene) put down due to stomach cancer leaving one girl (valerie). She has been deeply distressed since even though we got her some company in the form of a pair of new girls (Betty and Pearl). Valerie hasnt interacted much with the new girls, except to chase them and peck them occasionally - the new girls just run when they see her now. We keep them in an Eglu but have 2 houses with the old girl choosing to be in a house alone at night (on the first night we put them in together after she tried to roost in the food tray). Valerie has continued to be very vocal calling out, loudly and also hunting around the garden. I know these things take time but does anyone have any suggestions of how we can help her? To further complicate things, we have 4 more ex-batts being rescued on June 13th - do you think this will happen again then? Many thanks Valerie Betty Pearl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about Agnes and Marlene. Article **here** about mamaging intros/. It sounds as if you are nearly there with them. Why not pop her in with the new girls after she has gone to roost, to get her used to being with them at ight. Eventually she will bunk up with them of her own accord. Encouraging the sharing of treats such as sweetcorn is a good method of team building:D Good luck with your next lot of new girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twinkle1001 Posted May 15, 2009 Author Share Posted May 15, 2009 Thanks for this - much appreciated. Valerie seems to have quientened down a lot now but still isnt keen on Betty and Pearl, I guess it will just take time. I had no idea chickens bonded so strongly! Betty Valerie Pearl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Stick at it, Egluntine's link sets out exactly what you need to do, but it takes longer than you think. Persevere, and don't expect them to be best friends for a long while - they still need to sort out who's top chicken. Yes they will have to go through the same thing again when you introduce new ex-batts, but I bet that Betty, Pearl and Valerie will suddenly become a united front against the new girls! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twinkle1001 Posted May 18, 2009 Author Share Posted May 18, 2009 Hi, Thanks for that. This weekend we set the eglu run up with the canes seperating the 2 halves as we felt this was safer than leaving them loose in the garden when we were at work. When let out this morning, however, Valerie set up an almighty clamour until we let her out into the garden, leaving Betty and Pearl in the run (opened up to give them the full run). Is there any way of introducing Valerie to the idea of staying inside, staying safe and being quiet?? Many thanks Betty Pearl Valerie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
