Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[bellerock]

Hi, I have 2 black rocks, 1 bluebelle and 1 orpington who live in a eglu in my back garden. As we have re turfed the back lawn (destroyed by chickens and 2 spaniels) the girls now live in a reduced penned off area of the garden.

 

About 6 weeks ago head hen Coco the Orpington started to feather peck the bluebelle. She has plucked out a 'saddle' shape of feathers on her back and has created a bald patch around her crop.

 

We took the bluebelle to the Vet over a week ago and got a bayril and metacalm for herl. The vet has suggested that the bluebelle can no longer live with the other 3 as she will always be feather pecked by the Orpington. Since then we have noticed that both of the black rocks also feather peck the bluebelle.

 

We have separated the Bluebelle from the others at night and she now sleeps in the shed. However, during the day she is released into the garden area with the others as we have no room to put her anywhere else.

 

Today we decided to sacrifice the newly turfed lawn so that the chickens all have more space. However the feather pecking has still persisted.

 

Do we need to think about re-homing the orpington feather pecker or the bluebelle?

 

We would love to hear of a solution that means we don't have to break up our flock.

 

Can you please give me some advice?

 

 

Thanks

[fluffy chick]

Have you considered bumper bits and anti peck spray?

 

Also I wouldn't bother splitting them up at night. They won't fight at night anyway and it'll help her stay 'part of the gang' if they wake up together.

[bellerock]

Thanks for your reply. Yes I have tried anti peck spray but it just made the bluebelle's feathers smelly and sticky and didn't deter the pecker.

 

You said that I should keep the bluebelle with the others at night to keep her part of the flock. Should I isolate the Orpington to try to reduce her influence over the flock?

 

How would the bumper bits stop the pecking?

 

Thank you

[fluffy chick]

I've never used bumper bits but they fit in their mouths so they can't do so much damage.

 

You could try splitting the main bully from the others for a few days. She'll drop in the pecking order worth a go.