Used Omlet outdoor rabbit run Width 2.2m Height 2.05m Length 3.1m vgc.

[AntonyMJones]

Hello ... Only had our three girls for just over a day and I'm already asking for help!

 

We have two older bantams (Willow and Blossom) who I'd think are about 26 weeks old (we had our first egg an hour ago which might be part of the problem ...) and a younger bantam called Dandelion (maybe 20 weeks)

Willow seems to have a real problem with Dandelion as she seems to be continually chasing her around the run (we have an Eglu Cube with a 1m extension) and pecking at her. I assumed that this was part of the pecking order being established and so, even though it's not nice to watch, we let them get on with it. Again this morning the pecking continued so I went out to buy some anti-pecking spray. I was gone about an hour and when I got back, Willow was very agitated, clucking loudly and moving up and down the run. At this point I saw the egg on the floor of the run, which is odd in itself, so removed it but then noticed that Willow was getting really aggressive towards poor old Dandelion so I put some of the spray on her. As soon as she was back in the run Willow started the attacks again, at one point actually standing on her for a brief moment as she pecked. I have now shut Dandelion in the Cube, with water and food but Willow is still trying to get at her, standing at the top of the steps and tapping on the door. I'm afraid that if I let Dandelion back out that something terrible is going to happen ... any advice??

Edited April 26, 2011 by Guest

[enpekt]

A quick burst with a child's water pistol has usually helped with our lot.

[AntonyMJones]

Good tip ... I'll try it and report back!

[Patricia W]

If that doesn't work, take out the aggressor( not the victim) and keep her separately for a few days. That will put her down the pecking order and hopefully peace will be restored.

[AntonyMJones]

Thanks for that Patricia, the water pistol is stopping her when she goes in but it isn't stopping her trying. I'm also concerned that Willow (the aggressor) seems to be pacing up and down the run all the time as if there is something that is worrying her ... egg bound maybe?????

[AntonyMJones]

****** PROBLEM SOLVED! ******

Willow went into the Cube for a few minutes and came out a completely different bird ... relaxed, chilled and without a care in the World (which confused Dandelion who still ran out of her way!). 15 minutes later we noticed the egg she had left us!! Do chickens get PMT??

[JillM]

Maybe it was just fear of the unknown if she hasn't laid before? I'm glad she's calmed down for you

[teacake]

well done willow - your first egg!

[AntonyMJones]

I think it may well have been her first egg as she is much calmer this morning ... still pecking at poor old Dandelion but much less aggressively ... thanks for all your advice and congrats

[sandyhas3chucks]

Have you got plenty of things in the run to get,up .on behind or is It a bare space ? Some distractions might help and be fun

[AntonyMJones]

Hi Sandy, we have a couple of branches in the run for them to climb on, the Glug and Grub plus another water and feeder. We did have some cauliflower leaves hanging from string, a dust tray and a mirror with a bell attached. We've also just moved them to their permanent home which has a good layer of bark that they are having fun digging into and making hollows to sit in! Is that the sort of things or should we be looking at anything else?

[sandyhas3chucks]

Sounds good,,,,Is there something you could put in there Like a Maybe 2ft square flower pot?

With some garden soil in could also double up as a dustbath.

I had a similar but bad problem with 3 in an Eglu run. but you have better space to help.

I am thinking that Dandelion could get behind the pot(and around but also be a little sort of out of sight out of mind if you follow.

I have now a 1metre by 8ft garden/on grass run that if I put a squared wooden trellis in really seems to help. will have a scout for the photo as have posted one on here before. just for you to get the idea and maybe give you ideas. It seemed to create a mental barrier as they are very able to get through it or over it.

Here you go in this post. The second one PLease remember this is just a playing in secure run so no coop shown... they are 2 holiday hens showing it off!

http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=69665&hilit=+trellis

[AntonyMJones]

Another good couple of ideas Sandy! At the moment it appears that Blossom is doing that very job of getting between them and acting as a proper Mother Hen peace maker so we'll give it a day or two to see if things calm down. If not then we might just have to take your advice ...