Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[HRC99]

After about 16 months of happy co-existence for our 4 chooks (they only took a day or so to sort out the pecking order), there's trouble in our cube.

 

The most timid one, Gladys, (number 4 out of 4 in the order) is being bullied by Rosie (number 3 out of 4). There's no blood but quite a lot of feathers missing on Gladys. Every time she goes anywhere near Rosie, Rosie just lunges at her with a loud squark and pecks. Gladys then runs off.

 

I know this is probably just normal and may happen from time to time but it's becoming a little concerning as if they're not let out, Gladys will just sit at the top of the stairs on the cube all day. If I let them out she heads straight for the food as soon as Rosie's out in the garden and eats like there's no tomorrow - so I'm concerned that she's not eating if they're not let out.

 

I have just been letting it run its course as there's not been any blood but really just wanted some reassurance that I'm doing the right thing in not intervening or should I be doing something?

[The Dogmother]

May I suggest that you add more fod and water stations and see how that works.

 

If it gets worse, then isolate the bully for a couple of days .

[HRC99]

There are already two Grubs on opposite sides of the run and a Glug and Superglug too. I could move them to different ends but I'm not convinced that would be enough of a gap to prevent Rosie from going for Gladys.

 

With regard to isolating the bully, we don't have another Eglu or spare run, so do you have any suggestions as to how I could isolate her and how long for?

 

I should also have mentioned that the top two in the pecking order, Cheryl and Phinie, aren't bullying Gladys at all and have no problem with her.

[The Dogmother]

Rosie obviously feels the need to assert her dominance over Gladys, try even more feed stations though.

 

Can you borrow a rabbit hutch or get one from Freecycle for isolation?

[HRC99]

I don't have one but might be able to borrow one. She wouldn't then have a run though. Would that be ok?

[atsw]

Yes, that would be OK. By taking her away from the other three for a few days it will re-set the 'pecking order'. Chickens hate being on their own, so with a few days in isolation, the bully will want to be back with the others, which should result in less trouble for No. 4.

 

Andrew

[HRC99]

OK, thanks.

 

If I can't get hold of a rabbit hutch, any creative alternatives that would be ok?

[atsw]

Pretty much anything will do, as it's only for a few days. Just be sure she has access to plenty of water and food, water being especially important in this hot weather.

 

Andrew

[HRC99]

When you say anthing, do you have any particular suggestions? For example, would a large cardboard box be ok with air/light hols cut into it?

[poachedegg]

Do you have a dog/puppy crate that you could use?

[HRC99]

Afraid not. Don't really have anything in the way of other pet transporting kit. I was trying to think of something to use that might be around the house or the garage to save going and spending a load on something that I'll only use once (hopefully!),

[Olly]

dog-crate, spare Eglu run attached to the side of the Cube ... she could cope without a run for a few days but she'll need room to stretch her wings and move about, and daylight, which is why the cardboard box isn't ideal.

 

Try Freecycle, for either a puppy crate or a spare rabbit-hutch?

[quickcluck]

someone used a large guinea pig cage for a broody a little while ago, can you find one of those???

[HRC99]

I think we can lay our hands on a puppy crate so that should be ok. So, onto the logistics of it.

 

We put her in the crate with food and water in it. Do we put the crate inside the run where she can see the others (and she'd be safe from any intruders) or do we keep her somewhere else where she can't see the others?

 

How long should we keep her isolated 2 days, 3 days?

 

Sorry for all the questions but this is the first time this has happened so new to it all. Just also wanted to say thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply, it is very much appreciated.

[The Dogmother]

I'd put it in the run with the others as you do with a broody cage. be sure to cover the top of the crate though as the other hens will sit on top and poo all over her.. on the other hand, that may bring her down a peg or two!

[HRC99]

Update: Rosie is now in solitary and not happy at all. Unfortunately, I've now noticed that the other two are now picking on Gladys. Does anyone have any ideas as to what to do?

 

It really isn't nice to see at all. I just feel so sorry for Gladys.

[quickcluck]

Oh no! did you say you have bumper bits coming? Were they from the wernlas? If so they should be there soon, usually by return post....

 

In the mean time can you get anti peck/bite spray from a pet shop?

[HRC99]

I haven't ordered anything, I'm afraid. I thought we might be able to sort it out by isolating them. I'll ring the pet shop tomorrow about the anti-peck spray.

 

Where could I get bumper bits from?

[quickcluck]

Send an SAE to here

 

www.wernlas.com

 

put in a stamp for each bumper bit that you need and she will send them straight back in with instructions!

[HRC99]

Send an SAE to here

 

http://www.wernlas.com

 

put in a stamp for each bumper bit that you need and she will send them straight back in with instructions!

 

The website doesn't seem to work for me.

[quickcluck]

try this

 

http://www.wernlas.com/home.html

 

or google

 

wernlas collection!

[HRC99]

We've had to put them all back in together and poor Gladys is not happy. She sleeps in the nesting box and just stands at top of the stairs in the cube.

 

Ordered the Anti-Peck spray and Gentian Violet and it should be delivered tomorrow. So, fingers crossed this helps sort it out.

 

Any tips for using the sprays?

[quickcluck]

Wear gloves for the purple spray it's tricky to get off!

 

Hope things settle soon...