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[freya_chick]

I had four chickens in my original flock - Dixie, a Gingernut Ranger, Polly, a Light Sussex, and Maud and Lily, Pekin Bantams. About four weeks ago now, I added Gloria, a Silkie, and Trudy Button, an Araucana - I kept them separate for the first week or so. Then when I put them together, when we got them out one morning, Gloria's beak was all bleeding. I separated her again and she slept on her own but I put them back together again about a week ago. They've been fine for the past week. Gloria was originally reluctant to go in the house and was roosting anywhere but the past two nights she's gone in of her own accord. When we got her out this morning however, it looked like her beak was bleeding again.

 

Any suggestions for what to do next? I don't really want to separate her again as it feels like a step backwards but I don't want her pecked to death either!

 

Thanks

 

Freya

xx

[KimmyCustard]

You need to watch and see which chicken is pecking Gloria and seperate her from the flock. Keep her in the run in sight of the others but no free ranging and no 'joining in', that should bring her down a peg or two in the order of the flock and stop her pecking.

 

Either that, or you may have added the newer girls to your originals too soon. It usually takes about 3 weeks to introduce new hens to an existing flock, the run should be sectioned off so they can see each other but there is no contact, that way they can get used to each other with no injuries. You gradually then let them be together, but not alone, under supervision, then put them back in their seperate homes again. This should be done carefully, over time so that you can stop any squabbling. I would start again with your newbies so Gloria has a chance to heal. Hope this helps!

[freya_chick]

Thanks Kimmy - sounds like back to the start might be the way to go then!

 

They don't seem to pick on her in the daytime - they chase her away but they don't peck her - that seems to be a night-time thing!

 

Freya

xx