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

[legend21]

Hi All, I knew it was too good to be true, my ex batts have settled in and obviously are used to their new surroundings because they have started to pick on one hen in particular and it is painful to watch, we are letting them free range most of the time as it stops her being picked on so much, but we are having to take turns in sitting outside (son number two is on chicken watch as I type) I have tried the search engine for what people have previously said but either my laptop is slow or the system is slow but I have been waiting ages for it to come up.

 

Can some of you please give me advise or tell me when it will pass or if it will pass.

 

thanks

[quickcluck]

Have you tried the water pistol approach? Or bumper bits???

[Redwing]

I dont have any experience with ex batts but I do know that it will pass

 

They are used to fighting for everything in the cage so are a bit narky even when they are out of it!

 

Food seems to be a trigger point so make sure they have more than one feed and drink station so that everyone can eat in peace

 

Only remove the hen is blood is drawn and if it is remove her swiftly as the others will peck more at anything red like blood, cover any wounds with purple spray (calle dGentian Violet and available from pet or horsey shops) and if minor put her back with the others, if a bit more nasty keep her separate

 

If you do need to keep her separate remove another hen before you put her back then put them back together

 

Keeping the main offender in solitary for a few days can help as she will go back in lower down the pecking order

[Egluntyne]

Redwing is spot on there.

 

Ex-batts have had to fight for every morsel of food and it takes them a while to realise that there is plenty to around.

 

Several food and drink stations and the sharing of treats will soon have them playing nicely.