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

[DebC]

Hi, I'm new to omlet and chickens.

 

My cube arrived on Monday, as did 2 omlet girls, a White Star and a Columbine. I'm very pleased to say that I had my first egg yesterday (brown so I'm assuming it's from one of the omlet girls), I had it for my breakfast this morning. A double yoke as well (which I know happens with young girls) and very nice it was too! I'm looking forward to many, many more!

 

I knew that they would establish a pecking order very quickly, but the omlet girls are real bullies and wont let the columbine out of the penthouse! THe white start seems to be fine, but is definately in third place.

 

I'm worried that the columbine isn't getting enough food and water. I don't want to put food and water inside (it would be wrong to encourage eating and drinking in their bedroom!), but I have hung a couple of bowls so she can get food and water without coming off the steps, which she does.

 

Should I do or try anything else? or will it just settle down with time?

 

Thanks for your help

[sjp]

it took cyclone my columbine just over a week to settle since the she hovers food up

if yours is anything like her she'll soon put the others in there place

you could try feeding her on her own for a few days just to make sure she's geting enough if you can catch her

[Hen Watch]

Multiple food and water stations in the run is a good idea which you have already adopted.

 

Same here. My Stella is bottom chook and has always been so for over 2 years now. Even with 2 feed and water stations, she still hangs back in the morning and only eats when the other 3 'top' chooks have finished. It is sad, but that's the pecking order and it won't change now I suspect.

[DebC]

Thanks, I've just got home and been up to see the girls and close the door later than usual. I was a little surprised to see Tallulah snuggled up to one of the bullies. I think she is going to be alright, but will be staying at the bottom of the pecking order, but at least she is managing to eat!

[Egluntyne]

Give it time and they will sort themselves out. It is a good idea to have several feed and water stations so that no-one goes hungry.