Unsecure chicken perches

[jennydavies]

We have had no choice but to rehome Ginger Since we got the girls a month ago, Ginger has hated Blanche. Over the weeks she has stopped her from feeding (guarding two feeding stations) stopped her from drinking and refused to let her in the hen-house at night to sleep. I had to step in and put the other girls in the hen-house myself because Ginger would stand guard at the door and not let them in. Two mornings ago, I went to let the girls out and Blanche's beautiful white feathers were all over the hen-house floor. I knew Ginger had done it to her. We bought the very intense anti-peck spray and unfortunately it made poor Blanche turn brown, but we felt it was worth it if it made Ginger leave her alone. Yesterday morning was the turning point for us, I caught Ginger swinging Blanche round by her wattle (we didn't spray Blanche's face) Ginger made the most of this fact. We know that Blanche is very close to starting to lay, her comb and wattles are bright red and she has that "blushing"look to her face, we felt that the bullying she was being subjected to was stopping her from commencing laying. She couldn't relax for a minute without Ginger going for her, I tried the hosepipe on "jet", I tried holding her down, the anti-peck spray....she just simply hated Blanche. We spoke to our French neighbour across the lane, he has a large flock and he breeds as well. His flock is kept in line by a beautiful Coq, who does not allow disturbances from "his mademoiselles". He was happy to take Ginger off our hands and integrate her into his flock. He offered us one of his girls to replace her, but we declined. Today, our three girls have been so relaxed and content, Blanche has stopped looking over her shoulder all the time and she has been feeding and drinking properly. At treat time there was no problems (Ginger would never allow Blanche to get treats, she would rather go without treats herself in order to chase Blanche off). Bluebelle is happier because when we first sprayed Blanche, Ginger turned her bullying towards Bluebelle instead. I just felt that I could not stand by and watch such wanton cruelty being meated out, it wasn't just your average "pecking order" being decided - it was hatred. Ginger was terrorising our little flock (Charlie was ready to wring her neck). I will still be able to see her if I want to and I am sure Monsieur Coq will keep her in her place. I feel like I failed poor Blanche for the past month.

[Olly]

Sometimes you get a hen who is so vicious that rehoming is the only option. It certainly sounds as if this was the case here, because you'd tried everything I have ever heard suggested! It's lucky you were able to find another home so close, and M. le Coq will keep her in order. Sorry that you had a difficult start to your chicken-keeping, this is a rare occurrence but I think you've done the right thing, glad to hear that peace now reigns, and here's hoping Blanche delivers some eggs soon!

[chickyhazel]

At least now Blanche and the others can live in happiness and peace

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Sounds like an ideal solution . Good for for sticking with it so long - it sounds awful .

 

I hope you can now settle down and enjoy hen keeping as it should be .

[jennydavies]

I have to admit, the situation had given me several sleepless nights. I kept thinking I wonder if Ginger is hurting Blanche while we are in bed asleep ? I was tempted on several occasions to get up during the night to go and have a quick look in the hen-house, imagine if we had neighbours near enough to see me !! wandering in the garden in my pyjamas in the early hours I think they would have said "zose ingleesh are crazee" I can laugh at myself now but at the time it was very worrying

[Olly]

What - go up the garden to check on the hens, wearing my pyjamas? Good heavens, I'd never do that.

[cluckingmad]

Ahem, nor me.... cough cough....in fact, might have to go and check on my girls in a mo, its the first night all of them are in the WIR together and I'm pacing hte house like a mad woman

 

Poor little Blanche - I'd say you've done everything humanely possible with the situation, the remaining girls are obviously much happier and I dare say Ginger will be happier now too, having a Coq around certainly keeps the girls in line (seriously wish I had a boy sometimes, especially when the hybrids gang up on little Suzy Having said that, she's starting to give as good as she gets, she's a tough little girl).

 

Hats off to you for being such a good chicken mummy

 

ps you do now have an excellent excuse for much cuddling of the young ladies, purely so theyunderstand how much you love them, obviously...

[Tony]

What - go up the garden to check on the hens, wearing my pyjamas? Good heavens, I'd never do that.

 

I've had to do that more than once... Check the chickens I mean, I don't wear pyjamas

[jennydavies]

The ironic thing is Ginger loves being cuddled, she was very human orientated. I call Bluebelle my "little cuddle chicken" and Blanche falls asleep in my arms. Now Nugget is "in charge", but she is nowhere near having the iron fist that Ginger had. Even though it is early days since Gingers departure, Blanche is much more confident now and feeds properly, I had noticed that her tail had a constant tremble which I am happy to see has now disappeared . Thank you all for your support and encouragement that I have "done the right thing". Us chicken mummies really worry don't we.

[cluckingmad]

Oh the poor little thing! Just the thought of a little one with a trembling tail brings a lump to my throat... so glad to hear she's happier, long may peace continue