carrie Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 (edited) On Thursday one of my chickens got caught in my omlet netting, it was tightly wrapped around her neck, wings and legs. She must have been stuck for a couple of hours, the other hens had pecked most of the feathers off her wings and back, drawn blood and pecked at her comb. She was extremely distressed, luckily I finnished work at 12 instead of 4, if I hadn't I think she may have been dead when I got home. We brought her in overnight and on Friday put her in a separate house with an attached run. However she is still refusing to come out, when she does she sees the others and runs back in. What do you think I should do? (she wasn't bottom of the pecking order, but is very pathetic and a bit of a runt I think) Edited January 9, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madchickenlady Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 Aw, poor thing I think I'd keep her separated for a while until her wounds have healed and she's over the shock. Then perhaps you could put a gentle girl in with her? Does she have a pal? Then, when they were paired up, I'd reintroduce both hens in to the flock, keeping a close eye. It might well be worth getting some anti-peck spray to deter any bullies. I hope she makes a good recovery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 Aw, poor thing I think I'd keep her separated for a while until her wounds have healed and she's over the shock. Then perhaps you could put a gentle girl in with her? Does she have a pal? Then, when they were paired up, I'd reintroduce both hens in to the flock, keeping a close eye. It might well be worth getting some anti-peck spray to deter any bullies. I hope she makes a good recovery Exactly what I would advise hope she gets better soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 I have a girl who goes through bouts of terrible bullying. I suspect your little one ran into the netting in an attempt to escape the bullying- that's what my Babs does. I agree trying to link her up with a gentle girl or another option is to buy 2 young ones ( great excuse!) and put her in with them. Another option is to isolate the bully or bullies for a few days so they go down the pecking order- that has also worked for me. However, in my experience, these are temporary fixes -although they can last for months. Babs is back with her "best friend" as I found her with a bloody head again. I'm now reaching the conclusion that she will always be a victim and I can't put her in with the big flock. She's much happier in a smaller group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carrie Posted January 9, 2011 Author Share Posted January 9, 2011 Sad update Today we discovered that the wing that had been very badly pecked had turned green and was oozing very nasty stuff. She was in terrible pain. As we couldn't get the vet till tomorrow we had to make a very hard decision, we decided euthanasia was the kindest option because of the amount of pain she was in. Sadly she is no longer with us. Thanks for your advice. Carrie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 How awful for you I am so sorry to hear your sad news you did the very hard but kindest thing Thinking of you XxHugsxX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Sorry to hear that, it must be awful for you. Lots of hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
