How Quickly Does Albendazole Work?

[Torrin]

I have 4 children aged 7, 5, 3 and 1. The eldest two are fine, particularly my 5 year old boy who loves the chickens as much as I do!

 

My problem is with the 2 smaller ones. Yesterday my 3 yr old bent down near one of the girls to watch her and she pecked at his eye. He has a mark on his eyelid, but is otherwise fine.

 

Just now my 1 (nearly 2) yr old fell over near another of the hens. She also went for one of his eyes, he has a peck mark a few mm below the eye, but again is otherwise fine.

 

I love my new girls and really want them to be able to free range, but I obviously can't have this eye pecking. Am worried serious damage will be done.

 

Anyone have any experience of this kind of thing?

[jos]

I have found that when new chickens arrive they are attracted to shiny things and have found them aiming for eyes/teeth (if they are very up close and personal!)/earings etc. but it usually settles down quickly as they realise shiny doesn't mean edible. Then they just concentrate on food.

All the best

J

[milwichchickenlover]

I agree. My new chickens like to go for my toes, I do like to wear brightly coloured nail polish!

 

I'd keep your children out of the pen for a while until they have got used to shiny things!

[*mummy_hen*]

My girls love teeth

 

They soon got bored though and now don't pay any attention.

[quickcluck]

Yup mine really like red painted toes!

[Egg Lou]

I had a similar problem for a short time too.. I found wearing sun glasses seemed to cure the problem and kept eyes safe

[Ness3103]

mine are obsessed with freckles they spend ages trying to peck them off my arms and one of my ys has a little mole on his cheek and they keep trying to get that too

[The Dogmother]

Chickens will peck at anything red and/or shiny.

 

I always advise youngsters to keep the chooks away from their faces.

[chickenanne]

Mine haven't pecked eyes, but the novelty of shoes hasn't worn off yet (after 2 years).

Am not sure what the solution is: maybe keep them in while the kids are out (at this time of year I imagine your kids are in bed before the chickens are) and see if they calm down any. I can understand your concern, and imagine that you can't really tell an 18-month-old not to fall over in the garden!!!!