Magso12 Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 I've had two (Henrietta and Matilda) since February and I love them to bits . Three weeks ago I introduced two new hens (Molly and Gertie). I've set up a separate run alongside the eglu and after a week the new girls had settled in quite nicely so I decided to let them free range together. The inevitable battles broke out, but I only had to step in with a water pistol a few times. However, two weeks on the bullying is still continuing - I thought after a week they should have sorted out the pecking order. The last two nights, Molly has tried to roost in the eglu with the old girls, but they are having none of it! Poor Molly sits outside the eglu making pathetic little noises and every time she tries to get in the door Henrietta and Matilda rush at her and peck her like mad. Last night I tried posting Molly in through the egg hatch after the old girls had settled down, but they were furious and I had to rescue poor Molly and put her back in the other run with Gertie. Advice please anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 It takes time. I have had my new ones for almost a month and they are still getting a bit of pecking but it got better after about 3 weeks. It is typical just keep the water pistol or squirter thing close and let them sort it out if it isnt too bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 Agree it took mine a long time but I divided the sleeping area in half so they could be together but safe to begin with. I don't know if that would help. It takes a bit of juggling and I kept getting the wrong ones on the wrong side of the divide so the oldies had access to the nestbox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magso12 Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 Agree it took mine a long time but I divided the sleeping area in half so they could be together but safe to begin with. I don't know if that would help. It takes a bit of juggling and I kept getting the wrong ones on the wrong side of the divide so the oldies had access to the nestbox. Thanks for the replies. I am sure it will calm down in time. Molly didn't try to get into the eglu last night - maybe she didn't fancy standing outside the eglu in the rain! I think I'll let them sort it out at their own pace and in their own time:) Will keep you posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
