Unsecure chicken perches

[Rhesus]

I think this is a pecking order thing but 5 established girls but in the last week or so, noticed Grace (Light Sussex) has been very vocal and also sounds of squabbling. Doing the usual checks this afternoon and Grace is very aggressive towards Doris ( Doris is 3rd in pecking order with Grace 4th).

 

Closer inspection and there is blood drawn on the back of Doris' neck.

 

I've cleaned the wound but Grace is still not letting her have a break!

 

Anything else I should do? Currently eyeing up the axe if this is going to cause Doris a problem as she is a prolific layer for me.

 

Help if you can

 

Si

 

- Hilda - #1

- Marjorie #2

- Doris #3 and not happy !

- grace #4- bully at the moment

- Elsie #5

[Christian]

Do you have anything to cover up the wound? Something like purple spray? A solution of tea tree oil and water or savlon might help with healing, but you need to cover it to stop Grace pecking her. If the others catch wind of it, they might have a go too.

 

Separate her if you can (good that you have already cleaned the area) to let the area heal. A Bumper bit might be the best solution if she continues to peck at the area.

 

No idea why they are trying to mess up the pecking order, but maybe Doris is under the weather generally and Grace is taking a chance to climb the ladder?