Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[brightonbelle]

Hi all.

I have recently posted that my light sussex Belle has made a full recovery after being under the weather for 4 weeks. She seemed to be moulting for the last week but all seemed well.

 

But this morning went out to find she has blood around her neck and is balding around the whole circumference of her neck. I then witnessed the black rock actually peck at her neck. So I know the culprit.

 

They all arrived together on 31/7 and Belle used to be top of the pecking order,but whilst she was poorly she lost that spot. However she wasnt attacked when actually poorly,just now that she seems well again. I did some research and read that sometimes the new shafts growing can encourage pecking ?

I have washed and sprayed the grazes and sprayed her with anti peck spray(which is horrid if you get it in your mouth lol) and my white bird is now purple and brown!! I did see bully peck her over a nice titbit when out in garden but she didnt carry on so hopefully the taste will put her off.

 

Should I separate either bird or leave it a few days to see if sorts itself out ,as long as Belle doesnt get further injuries?

 

Thanks

[Patricia W]

The problem is that when the new feathers are growing they are full of blood and some hens find them very tasty! You've done exactly the right thing by spraying her. What you could do is separate out the bully for a while. That would put her down the pecking order and maybe restore order.

 

Ukadex is really good so hopefully using that will work.

[Egluntyne]

I agree, separate the bully and spray the pecked hen with something unpalatable, such as Ukadex.

[brightonbelle]

Thanks for the replies...It seems the spray has worked as I have watched them today,even with their favourite foods and there was no pecking at all...and the biggest shock of all.....3 eggs today so she must be laying again after 5 weeks!!!

 

I may be wrong but at least that suggests she isnt stressed or miserable so that makes me feel better.

 

Merry Xmas everyone x