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

[Chunky_Monkey]

Hi,

 

We got our eglu yesterday and then went to collect some hens from a local breeder. We went for one Black Rock, a Lavender Araucana and a white bird, although we're not sure on the breed. Our Araucana seems quite scared of the Black Rock (the Black Rock seems to be top of the pecking order) and we've noticed that she seems to be on her own quite a bit while the other two go around together. Is this them just settling in or would you recommened getting another Araucana to keep her company? If we were to get her a friend, we would have to get one very soon. We would be grateful for some advice.

 

Thanks.

[The Dogmother]

Don't worry, they'll integrate soon enough; they are just working out the hierarchy.

[Woodcat]

hey

 

 

Somtimes you get chickens that likea little time on there own we have one like that. i wouldn't worry as long as she isn't being picked on by the others.

 

Beth

[Chunky_Monkey]

Thanks for both replying.

 

The thing is, she is being picked on by our Black Rock. She has to run past her quickly to try to avoid getting pecked at. We have noticed that she spends a lot of time in the Eglu rather than the run with the other two. We're wondering whether she would want a friend the same breed and who would have been living with her up until yesterday. We wouldn't want her to be unhappy on her own.

[The Dogmother]

If you catch the black rock bullying her, then squirt it in the face with some water - that ought to stop the bullying.

[Chunky_Monkey]

We do that every time she runs or tries to peck at her - it doesn't seem to be working at the moment, but hopefully in time it'll sort it out.

[The Dogmother]

Just keep an eye that she's not pulling feathers or pecking at flesh - you'll need a bumper bit if she is.

[tidygirlsuk]

You have already been given good advise but I have found it can take 2-3 weeks to sort out. Then they are the best of buddies. good luck.

[Chunky_Monkey]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Things seem to be sorted out now. The water pistol seems to be working and Nellie (our Black Rock) is now leaving Lucy alone.

[tidygirlsuk]

Great news

[MedusA]

Glad it's all settled down.

 

I have two lavender Araucanas and they are the wussiest chickens ever. They still run away from their own shadows after virtually a year!

[Chunky_Monkey]

 

Lucy (the Araucana) is still running around madly if Nellie takes one look at her. Hopefully she'll soon learn that Nellie really isn't that bothered.

 

At the moment, Lucy, as well as Bella, have the habit of digging into the soil. They've already destroyed most of the grass in their run in less than 24 hours. They just never seem to stop. Nellie just sits there watching them.