Mrs

[Plum]

Yes I think that is the key.

 

How awful for you to have that happen. Don't blame yourself she escaped and sometimes that happens. I''d keep her seperate until healed and do the slow individual introductions like you planned. Don't admit defeat you only just got her.

 

She's in a run in their run so they can get a lot of the stares and the body language sorted out over the next week or two. You'll get there

[Plum]

Well my lot behaved overnight. I was up to let them out early and found Pigeon laying an egg with Cygnet standing over her. All was calm until they were in the run then a bit of peck and chase started so she was put in her run for the day. Off to try them together in the garden again now.

[Roobaloo]

Off to try them together in the garden again now.

 

How'd it go?

 

Nutmeg is very subdued, I'm getting a little worried as she seems to not be doing anything...I never see her eating (unless she's out in her pen in the garden) and she just seems to spend the days sat or stood in the same place. ...she's not liking being separate at all but she just doesn't seem to realise she's getting her bum whooped every time she gets too close (standing too close to the trelis that divides the run...the others are putting their heads through and pecking her) She's SO submissive that I can't believe even Apple (who was the lowest ranking...and is still getting picked on!) is being the cruelest.

 

That said, Toph gave Apple a hard time yesterday...so I let Apple out in the garden with Nutmeg and shadowed her to prevent injuries. She gave her a few good pecks and got a couple of feathers but it was nowhere near as aggressive or obsessive - Apple was walking off and foraging...Nutmeg would follow her round...and every now and then Apple would have a go, then ignore her again...rather than continuing to attack. So, fingers crossed it's some progress.

[Plum]

Poor Nutmeg, honestly it does take time to integrate them and weeks is better than days. I would be tempted to put Apple in with her for a week or two before trying again. Cygnet got pecked through the run at first and has a small split on her beak by her nostril. It's rather sweet Nutmeg following Apple around. Cygnet sticks with the two smallest of mine that she towers over.

 

I think I've been lucky having a mature feisty girl who takes the odd peck and just runs off. She's 3rd in pecking order and settled well with them. All in together since saturday.

 

Grackle giving her the evil eye

 

My Rabbit's not phased by any of them

 

Cygnet was such a beautiful hen but since this picture she's had two dustbaths in the mud

[Roobaloo]

How's Cygnet doing?

 

I've got as far as 2 pairs...Apple is in with Nutmeg....and Suki and Toph are together. Apple is fine with Nutmeg until they're let out to FR, then she turns on her!! At first it seemed to be when I let all four out, assuming it'd now be 2 on 2...but no, Apple turned on her room mate!!

 

So they're being kept in for now...and they're not happy about it, nor am I tbh but I can't risk Nutmeg getting hurt or the progress made being undone.

[Plum]

Glad to hear Nutmeg is pals with Apple if only in the run but it's a good first stage. I wonder why they change outside. I suppose its because she's unsure now about her place with the others so is making sure she is dominant over Nutmeg

 

Cygnet is fine and she perches with all of them in the run and pushes for a place at the door when I go down but the others are still a bit unsettled with eachother Women!

 

Pigeon keeps mounting poor little Budgie (buff orp bantam) she holds her neck and stands on her then lets go and does the cockeral mating movements and jumps off while Budgie is still crouching. I think they are a bit confused about their sexuality.

[goodinparts]

Oh...thanks for adding that, Plum...Charity(buff pekin) was mounting Patience (bantam D'Anvers) while they were out yesterday - and she seems SO huge in comparison that I was worried she'd really hurt her. The Belgian girls must have been hand reared as they are ultra tame and ultra submissive too - when Charity finally got off her, Patience went on crouching for a few seconds and I thought that she was injured, but no - she was just making sure the rape was over before she went on her way.

I know they have to work it out for themselves but I do with they would play nicely

[Plum]

Shouldn't hurt her as they've not got spurs. Hope she enjoys it

[beach chick]

WING CLIP WING CLIP WING CLIP!!!! My previous leghorn Sugar, and the current one, Snowy were right little devils for the Great Escape - til laying sets in anyway...

[Plum]

Didn't work with Pigeon she has mighty thighs and if she wants to leap the netting she will

[Roobaloo]

Well, FINALLY....Nutmeg, Apple, Suki and Toph are all in the same run, the divider is down but I've put lots of obstacles, platforms and perches in so Nutmeg can get away if needs be (extra water and feed stations too!) There's still some aggression but it's a couple of firm pecks and the odd mounting and displays of dominance rather than a full on assault...

 

So hoooopefully.... ...in a few weeks, it'll be a happy flock again!!! About time, I've completely messed up my knee, crawling between the divided sections...it's been agony!!

 

This kind of stress is a great cure for Morehens...

[Plum]

The agonies you suffer for your chooks!! Good news with Nutmeg.