3.6m Omlet Chicken Run for sale, Brand New in Boxes, Milton Keynes (MK19)

[kazza45]

I have been away for a few days and upon return yesterday noticed some puzzling behaviour amongst the girls. I have had 4 for a few months now and added another 4 (inc 2 rescues) 2 weeks ago. They all seem to be settling in well. Two or three of the old bunch seem to have started losing feathers under their bottom. Its only noticeable when they bend over pecking. Have checked them all for mites and the skin is nice and pink not sore at all, could this just be normal?

The other thing I noticed is that one of the older hens is pecking at the rescues and swallowing its feathers!! Any ideas on that please??

Finally three of the new hens will not go into sleep at night. They sit on top of the coop. Have left them til quite late (11 oclock) and they are still sat there!!

Egg laying is normal apart from one strange egg laid last week with a very soft shell.

Any help or ideas gratefully received.

Thank you

[Clur]

Someone wiser will be along soon, but I think feather pecking can be a sign of boredom or protein deficiency?

 

If they aren't going into the coop at night, I'd check very carefully that there is no sign of red mite infestation. Best to look when it's getting dark, shine a torch into the nooks and crannies and you should be able to tell if there's a problem.

[kazza45]

Someone wiser will be along soon, but I think feather pecking can be a sign of boredom or protein deficiency?

 

If they aren't going into the coop at night, I'd check very carefully that there is no sign of red mite infestation. Best to look when it's getting dark, shine a torch into the nooks and crannies and you should be able to tell if there's a problem.

 

Thanks. 5 are going in no prob its just 3 newbies

[Egluntyne]

They are probably just a bit nervous about their new surroundings.