cluckbok Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Hi Everyone, We've not been on here for a while but we have three new girls, "Flump" our Partridge Silkie, "Willow" our Rhode Rock and "Savannah" our Bluebelle. We got the three new girls as Rosie our other hen died last week leaving our Columbine "Matilda" on her own. The breeder advised us that the three newbies could be put in with her but very late in the day which we did. It didn't go down too well and the three newbies wouldn't come out of the eglu. When it got dark Matilda settled down in the eglu with them no problem. This morning Matilda was out but the three new girls wouldn't come out as she chases them and pecks them. We let Matilda out for a free range and then encouraged the new girls in the eglu run which they did go and have some food and water and a scratch about. The minute Matilda was back they ran in. Willow did this afternoon however pluck up the courage to come out and scratch about by the eglu door while Matilda was in the run with her. I have put some anti peck spray on the new girls which stinks so I hoping that helps. It's not ideal introducing this way but we have no other accomodation! Do u think they will settle soon?. It's only the first day and I can't stand it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teacake Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 sorry to hear about Rosie, your new hens sound lovely, hope they are all getting on well together soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 Loved Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Hi there again Shame about Rosie. Matilda needs company though. Lots of people cope with introductions your way so stick with it and perhaps you can free range Matilda so the others can come out in the run a bit. What about putting some perches in so that they can jump out of her way Or even a cardboard box so the have something to run behind? Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 Oh thanks, you've made me feel better! I know it's not a brilliant way to introduce but we only putting 3 on to 1 existing, wouldn't have done it if there had of been more older hens. Willow is getting her confidence up and has been out in the run a bit, Savannah has been looking but little Flump is still a bit nervous. We did free range Matilda today and left the new ones in the run to themselves for a while so they had a bit of respite. I hate watching her peck them! can't wait til it settles down, it takes time though I know it will be worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 I know how you feel. We got 2 new hens yesterday, its horrible to watch them peck at eachother . We've kept them apart last night and tonight. the sussex can fly really well, so we'll have to clip her wings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 Yeah it's awful. Yeah clip her wing, I'd clip one side as this off balances any attempt to fly. I hoping the anti peck spray will help but it stinks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
