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

[staceychristie]

Morning. Day two in the big brother house, and alls not well.

 

Got our ExBatts yesterday and Davina (the boss) is top hen. She's attacking the others, but one she keeps pecking and has drawn blood from either her wattle or neck. We've bathed with salty water and removed Davina. She's in a poultry crate next to the run.

The 4 others seem happy to get along , with Davina looking on with her own feed and water.

 

2 questions. How can I stop Davina drawing blood (she only has a quick peck at the other birds, but they move away from her quickly) And, what can be done for the wound to the underhen?

 

They have loads of room (in 3m run) and 2 sources of food and water (distractions are by cds, and a cabbage in the run.)

 

Thanks all

 

Stacey & Kitty XX

[Olly]

Welcome to the forum!

 

You've done the right thing by bathing the wound with salt water, and it should heal up if it's not too deep. However once chickens see blood, they're inclined to peck at it again. There's a purple spray you can use which disguises the colour, I believe it's sold in equestrian shops so you might find somewhere open today? This should help put off any further pecking.

 

With regards to stopping Davina from further assaults, there are various things you can do including fitting a bumper bit but as they are new and this is probably just part of them establishing the pecking order, I'd try some simpler things. Keeping her out of the run for a bit is a good idea as it will shake up the pecking order a bit. If you've got enough room you could separate her during the day and put her back in at night for a few days. (I'm not sure if you've got an Eglu/Cube or what your set-up is).

 

If they're free-ranging then you could watch for bullying and intervene with a water-pistol when she starts, that's quite an effective method, however you've probably been advised to keep them in the run for the first five days or so.

 

There's an anti-peck sprayyou can get, spray it on the other chickens and the taste should put Davina off.

 

That's a few starters, I've never had ex-batts myself but lots of forum members have, and there will probably be someone else along soon with more specific advice.

[Redwing]

A bumper bit may be a good idea as stated above. this seller (not me) is quick to get them posted out

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-Bumper-bumpa-bits-to-stop-injury-to-hens-chickens_W0QQitemZ190314820926QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Pet_Supplies_Poultry?hash=item2c4fa5b53e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1683%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

[staceychristie]

Thanks both of you. I've got a cube (built the run myself, as semi-poverty stricken ).

I'm passing the Domestic Fowl trust today in Evesham, and they do the spray and bits.

It's been a year in the planning, so I've been to hen parties etc, but this is REAL hands on stuff.

 

Post back later tonight.

 

Thanks again.

 

Stacey & Kitty

[staceychristie]

Shhhhhhh ! Not many probs so far (looking for wood to touch). 5 girls, and seem to be ok. One was bloody, but violet spray (on me!!) and feather peck spray seem to have done the trick. Thanks again

 

Stacey & Kitty

[Griffin]

That's really good news. Long may the peace continue!