TheCoop Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 Barbra has been away from us at the vets for 2 months - she now only has one leg, so is at a distinct disadvantage. Needless to say, our other two pea brained idiots have completely forgotten who she is. Dolly only seems mildly interested, but Diana has turned from timid to completely vicious and savage at the drop of a hat. We got Barbra back yesterday and put her in the garden NEXT to the closed off chicken run area so they could all see each other, but Diana was relentless in trying to get to Barbra and attack her. When Dolly & Diana went to bed last night, we went out there with Barbra to try and put her in the sleep area (knowing that chickens are much more docile at night and would rarely fight). As I did this Diana started to attack her (jump on her and peck/pull at her comb really quite savagely). She then seemed to calm down, but a few seconds later or when Barbra tried to move she started again. Barbra was completely submissive so did nothing to aggravate Diana. After a couple of times, I took Barbra out and had to make her a makeshift sleep house in the (fortunately) empty cold frame. Today, there is still a lot tension, mainly on Diana's side, but Barbra is constantly bawking. I know there is a pecking order, but this is ridiculous!! The vet has already said that should there be any problems, Barbra is welcome to live with them (they are an equine/country vet which is in a lovely setting) and we are contemplating going down this route, though we are loathe to because we love Babs and she is our best layer, plus we had spent so much money and time getting her fit again. It's either that or get rid of Diana (Which would be preferential as Dolly was freaked out herself by last night's savagery and decided to stay well out of it), but I wouldn't know how to go about that. Anyone want a timid chicken who can turn nasty as hell??? She is normally so docile and very timid (I can't even get close to her to stroke her, she just runs off). The whole situation is very disheartening and I feel for poor Barbra as there is nothing I can do. Any thoughts anyone has on tis would be gratefully appreciated as we don't really know what to do next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 It could be because she smells different but to be fair, it could be a basic survival instinct. They see her as weak and she is putting them at risk by attracting predators...there is a chance that they will kill her first. If you can't house her safely by herself (or maybe find another rehab hen), I would rehome her...you've been through so much with her, it would be a horrific waste to lose her by pushing the issue. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 It's to be expected. I would treat it as if you are introducing a completely new hen and keep them seperate but within sight for a while and take it really slowly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
