Mrs

[cavysqueak]

I'm getting a bit worried and frustrated. Our three 'new' ex-battery hens are not getting along. It was clear from quite early on that Doris was really skittish about being around other hens. She is very bald, so presumably was pecked at by all of her neighbours.

 

The other two began to peck at her, stopping her from eating and drinking. Doris makes it worse as she runs away even if they just stare at her! She ends up hiding in the Eglu away from the others. It looks like Betsie is going to be the top chook, with Rosa being the biggest bully towards Doris, even chasing her right into the Eglu. So I tried sitting by the run and handing out squirts of water. However as soon as my back was turned the chasing started again!

 

So yesterday we took Rosa out, to try to let Betsie and Doris create a better relationship, before re-introducing Rosa. Unfortnately the girls are already in our 'spare' run, so Rosa is in a large cage. She is outside where she can see our other girls, but she doesn't have much space and she's on her own

 

However the worst thing is that Betsie is STILL being a bit of a bully towards Doris. Again, when I'm sat next to the run she's learnt to leave Doris alone. However as soon as I move away she still occasionally lunges at her and makes her run away. It's been less than 24 hours since we took Rosa out, but I can't see how things are going to move forward if Doris can't trust Betsie and get over her skittishness.

 

Am I expecting too much too soon? How many days have people found its best to keep the main bully seperate? Is there anything else I should be doing?

 

Thanks, sorry for the essay!

[jimnpaula]

There will be some pecking in order to establish the pecking order. This will be normal as long as there is no blood drawn, and you just have to let them get on with it. A dose of anti peck spray on everyone (apply in good ventilation and be aware it stains everything brown) might help, as may having more food and water stations - coop cups are good for this.

HTH

P

[Egluntyne]

Don't forget that they have been used to having to jostle for every s"Ooops, word censored!" of food and it will take a while for them to realise that there is plenty for everyone. Try setting up several food and drink stations.

[Tweety]

I have found that ex batts are particularly nasty to each other at first, and it has usually taken about 3 weeks until peace has broken out.

Follow the good advice already given and, as long as no blood is drawn, let them get on with it. It is horrible to watch, I know, but it's the way chickens sort themselves out and unfortunately there is always one poor little person at the bottom!

Do they free range at all? Extra space and lots of food stations should help.

[counturchickens]

We've had 2 lots of ex batts now, definitely lots of feeding stations. CJ was a bully, we separated her and things got a bit better. Things only got really nasty when by accident they only ended up with one place to eat. Then CJ and Ainsley both had an impacted crop so had to introduce Donna the most bullied one to the 2 existing girls early, and she was ok.

 

I'm sure it will work out.

[sandyhas3chucks]

also something to divide the run, I know this is taxing for the brain with an Eglu, to but I think some have used canes to create a fence....A branch is relatively easy to pop in, as is a roosting bar(wood slid through the wire )Also a flower tub for a dust bath which also creates another obstacle for chasing chooks, also a distraction.... (I do have all 3 in the run).

Lots of free ranging gives the bullied girl a chance to get away also you can sneak her extra food to help build her up and encourage her feathers..

good luck