New hens not going into Eglu Go Up

[txswanie]

Hi,

introduced the two new GRs to the others without too much trouble but the smallest GR is very unhappy looking. Getting them to bed was an absolute nightmare which ended with me chasing her round and round the coop. It was like Benny Hill. Finally caught her and shoved her into the coop and eventually they all settled down. This morning the 2 originals and 1 new girl are off ranging but Lucille is sitting in the floor of the run. She doesn't seem very interested in food, either pellets or fresh. She is worrying me a little now. Do you think she will come around and show more interest?

Thanks.

[Chicken Shirl]

She may have been stressed out by being chased and caught. I would take things calmly with them and let them find there way for a few days. They and she will soon sort out where to go to bed where to find the food etc: If she does not go in the Eglu at bed time, wait until all the others have gone and it's quiet and nearly dark and pick her up and put her is gently. See how she is in the morning, check that she is getting to the food and water, and that the others are not pecking and bullying her. It's a good idea to put extra feeders in the run so that everyone has a chance. The older hens will guard the food and water. I hope this is helpful. Keep us posted on how things are going. Good luck. It will all settle down.

[chick wiggle]

Good advice there, always have more than 1 feeding and drinking station, even if its only in a dish or anything, that way they can all get to 1 or another.

Keep an eye on her, hopefully she will soon settle down, bless her.

Good luck and let us know how she gets on.

[txswanie]

Last night I just tried sitting outside the run, waiting to see what she would do. It started to get really dark and the others had gone to bed. Lucy had settled down at the far end of the run and was ready to go to sleep. Ok, in the dark, on my knees trying to crawl up under the cube to catch a chicken that doesnt want to be caught...Finally got a hold of her and just cuddled her for 5 minutes until she settled. Gently tried to put her into the coop and she went bonkers. Got her in the coop and stuck my hand in and continued soothing her and she finally settled down. I really hope this stops soon. I have disk problems in my back and cannot really deal with crawling around every night (not to mention the filthy knees). Once a week for a good clean is about as much as I can take..Please Lucy, go to bed.

[Chicken Shirl]

Oh dear, not an easy thing to do with a bad back. Well done for doing it. Was she alright during the day time with the other girls? I hope you have a better time tonight. Is there anyone who can help you?

[chickyhazel]

I expect she is bullied by the others - watch them for a while during the day and look for sever pecking, etc.

[Tutti Frutti]

Aww bless her, any news on her today?

[Plum]

Just a thought do you think there may be red mite and she's not yet been treated whereas your old girls will be protected. It may account for not going in the cube and being a bit under the weather

[txswanie]

Just a thought do you think there may be red mite and she's not yet been treated whereas your old girls will be protected. It may account for not going in the cube and being a bit under the weather

 

 

 

I would think she was ok with regards to mite. She came from Omlet last week with another Ginger who seems ok. There is mite powder in the run and nesting box. I do think she is being bullied somewhat but I don't see any injuries. She just seems a lot quieter than the others. I have put out two water and two food dishes and keep going up to make sure she is eating. She is drinking a lot and someone has watery poo, perhaps its her. She just doesn't join in with the others. Doesn't come running when I bring snacks, not interested in the veggies I put out. Today she was sleeping in a sunspot. Is that normal? I know, like humans they have their own personalities and she may just be shy, I just don't want her to be unhappy.

With regards to the coop at night, I sat at the door of the run last night and once the original 2 were in, the other ginger went in on her own. Only then did Lucy made an effort to get in. What I have noticed is the gingers are not very good at climbing the ladder that comes with the cube. They are also terrible at getting out in the morning. They just flump down in an ungraceful heap. I don't know what they are used to at the hatchery but I hope they will learn, I don't want any ladder injuries. What's the thing with the torch inside the coop? Does that help?

Thanks.

[Redwing]

Yes, when its dark if you put a tprch in the cube they should go in to it easier, they go towards light

[Mollie333]

Can't really give much more advice.

but goodluck.