Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[dottychicken]

Hi,

 

We introduced 3 new hens yesterday (1x Light Sussex, 1x Bluebelle, 1x Speckledy) to our 1 remaining ginger nut ranger, as we sadly lost our pepperpot to a prolapse last week .

 

Problem is that ever since I put the new birds in the eglu/run all they've wanted to do is stay inside as the ginger continues to peck and chase them round the run. They all slept together fine, but when I got up this morning it was the same situation - new hens very hesitant to come out and still in there now. I tried getting them all into the run yesterday and closing the door but they just started pecking at it and wanting to go back inside.

 

I know these things are meant to sort themselves out after a while but I'm worried about the new ones not getting enough food and water.

 

What should I do?

 

(apologies if this is a very faq, please feel free to direct me to any good threads on this subject!)

Edited May 31, 2011 by Guest

[dottychicken]

Just a quick update, following some advice in another thread I have decided to isolate the ginger for a while in a large dog crate indoors, to give the new hens some time to explore the run etc. Will see what happens! Advice still very welcome!!

[Egluntyne]

Put out several feeders and drinkers ... she can't 'man' them all.

 

Inevitably there will be some argy bargy. It tends to look a bit frightening, but is mainly grandstanding. Unless blood is drawn, I'd leave them to it, once you are ready to put the ginger hen back. A short blast of water from a hosepipe stops them in their tracks.

[dottychicken]

Thanks Egluntyne!

 

Unfortunately I have only the one feeder but I can always get hold of another one. Will put out a heavy ceramic bowl with some in for the time being.

 

Ella (ginger) is still in the dog box and the others have managed to get a bit of time to explore and feed in the run! Was thinking of putting her back in the next hour or two, maybe get her back in the free range area for a while allowing her to have a look and a sniff at the others.

 

I would put them all in the free range together but this morning it was a nightmare catching Hatty the speckledy!

[Plum]

I'd put in some perches and obstacles for them to jump on or run behind so they don't go back in the eglu. A broom handle fits between the bars, upside down flower pots and piles of bricks are good too

 

You can get parrot cage cups that fit on the run from any pet shop tomorrow.

[dottychicken]

UPDATE: So after much searching the forum I decided to split the run into two with some plastic grower canes, thus separating the new girls from Ella.

 

This seems to be working ok, although she will still chase and peck them whenever she gets the chance (i.e. in the free range area). Strangely they seem to be sleeping together fine, as Ella doesn't seem to mind them in the Eglu at night, unlike she did in the day time!

 

Am I doing the right thing?

[Plum]

Yup sounds good, give them time to get to know each other

[dottychicken]

Thanks Plum, kind of feels like I'm conducting some strange social experiment, hopefully won't be too long until she accepts them. Will keep you updated