Unsecure chicken perches

[popster]

First of all sorry for only using this when I am having a nightmare!

 

I got 4 ex batts about 3 weeks ago to keep my one remaining chook company. I noticed at the end of last week that one as looking very scrawny and had been severely pecked at by the others.

 

At the weekend I let them free range and kept an eye on them and thought I identified the bully who I kept locked in the eglu when she attacked little Won Ton. However the situation is much worse that I thought as today I put Won Ton in with just one of the other girls (not the main bully!) and both times I did this (with 2 different chooks) they went for her when she went to eat. I have sprayed her with this purple antiseptic and used an anti pecking spray but it just doesn't seem to have an effect.

 

I just don't know what to do. I just have one eglu cube (with run and extension) so can't separate them easily. I thought I wasn't meant to separate the weaker bird but I just don't think I have a choice. She won't stay in the run when the others are there and just jumps straight in the eglu when I try to reintroduce her. She just shrieks when another bird comes near even when let loose in the garden.

 

I am at work in the day so have limited time to try and sort out the situation. I think i'd rather let Won Ton free range by herself (I know it's risky) and give her some time to build herself up and get her feathers back. Will this absolutely ruin the situation? At present I am even nervous of the fact that she is roosting with them at night.

 

I've ordered some Bumper Bits but even with these I don't want her with the others yet in an enclosed space!

 

Any advice would be grately received.

 

[theherd123]

I can understand why you are so worried but this is normal chicken behaviour in order to establish a pecking order - no pun intended!

The best things is to try and keep the damage they are doing to each other to a minimum -which you have been doing so far.

Personally I wouldnt remove the weaker hen unless she is in a terrible state and has/is bleeding. The bumper bits or anti-peck rings will help limit the damage so the sooner the bullies have them fitted the better.

 

If you haven't done so already it may be an idea to invest in an extension to the run to allow the girls more space and also to enrich their run by adding perches, veggies to peck at and other activities which may distract them.

 

Something else you might want to try when you are around is to arm yourself with a water pistol and 'zap' any misbehaving chook if they peck at another. I have used this to good effect in the past.

 

Also, esp. if the weakest chook is being chased away, is to add another couple of feeding & drinking stations. You can buy small 'coup cups' from places like Pets At Home for about a pound and are good enough for the job.

 

I hope this helps and please keep us posted on how things are going.

[popster]

Thank you, I feel a bit better now!

 

She is in a poor state and there is some blood around her wounds (particularly round the vent). I may leave her out tomorrow until the bits have been fitted as I just feel terrible about leaving her in the run with the others whilst I am at work.

 

They have got lots of logs and a perch to jump on with a mealworm thing that hangs from the roof to distract them. I was hoping that a standard run + 1 extension was enough for five. I may need invest in another extension then - the OH will be pleased!

 

I'll let you know how it goes - can't believe they can be so mean!

[theherd123]

A WIR (Walk In Run) if you have the room, might be a long term solution as this will give the girls more room, also give a chance for the weaker ones to run off if they are being bullied and keep then safe from Mr Fox.

 

 

A WIR also has the great added benefit of allowing you to buy more chooks in the future

[bessandra]

Hi

I had a really horrible experience of my lovely girl Holly being ganged up on and picked on. She had a deep, bleeding wound which 3others wouldn't leave alone. I used bumper bits but in hindsight, I'd have done really slow intros and done the whole divide and rule thing. So I would have taken Holly plus one other out, but keep them in sight of all the others. Did you say yours are roosting together at night? Are they leaving here alone then? Getting new Chooks always has the negative side for me, introductions!! They can be so cruel!! Mine have been together for 2yrs now and even today, betty was having a little pop at cheryl, sitting on her back and pulling her neck feathers-what are they like?!

[Patricia W]

Introductions can take a long time so separate accommodation is essential. Try dividing the run with canes, and if one chook is friendlier than the rest, put her in with the bullied one and see if they get on better together. Let them all free range together but supervise and be prepared for it to take a while before you can remove the canes between them.

 

And/or you can remove the bully and keep her separate until she moves down the pecking order. It takes time but has worked.

 

I've been working on this for about 9 months with mine and we still have some spats so patience is the key.

 

Tricia

[popster]

Thanks for the advice, I am very sad and stay with the girls at night until it all goes quiet. I'm also up early now to let them out so they don't have that much time awake in the cube. I'm hoping this restricts the potental for bullying at night.

 

I like the idea of splitting the run. I think i'll attempt it with chicken wire at the weekend. Just need to work out the best way to do it. I was thinking of getting another run extension in the summer so will do this sooner rather than later now.

 

(seriously I think children would be easier!)

 

Thanks again