2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Clare L]

I was looking for some advice (well actually I am hoping for some reassurance really) about my recent hen introduction.

 

I have found myself with a lonely lone hen, Miffy, so decided it was time to get her some new sisters. I only have the cube. I wanted Bantams, but was aware of the size difference (she is an Amber Lee, so not a 'large' girl, but big enough). So I decided on getting some bantam Orps, as they would be about the same size as her when they are fully grown. So I got 3 on Saturday who are 15 weeks old - unfortunately one is a bit smaller than the other two.

 

Can I say what has been happening over the last few days, and grateful if you can let me know what you think.

 

I got them in the afternoon, they went into the run whilst Miffy was free ranging. Miffy did run up the cage like a Ninja chicken the first time she saw them, but then pretty much ignored them. I put the new girls up to bed at dusk, and Miffy was fine when she went up to bed and they all slept well. The next morning was not too bad, a few pecks, but nothing drastic. In the afternoon, Miffy was getting dominant about her food / water, and the newbies were not allowed at the front of the cage, so I put them separate food and water at the back of the cage. THere was much more pecking that afternoon. THat evening, the girls went up to roost, but Miffy would not let the small girl stay up there, she would basically go up, toss her out, and then go back downstairs. So i have been putting them to bed, and leaving Miffy locked in the run, until she is sleepy, then all is well, and they sleep well.

 

The following day I expected a bad day, but all was fine, they all came downstairs, and Miffy even allowed them to stay at the front of the cage and eat some of her mash potato (might have been because it was wet and windy). But the problem is that Miffy has taken a dislike to the smaller bantam. She torments her by pecking at her, not attacking her, just tormenting her, but it has totally freeked the newbies out and they have now taken to going up to the nest box whenever they are in the cube with Miffy. I set up a fenced off bit of garden, not huge, but 10ftx6ft sized, so they can get a bit of space. Yesterday this was working really well (and although not harmonious, it was civilised - Miffy would glare if they were where she wanted to be). She is not really bothered by the other 2 larger newbies, and gives them little pecks, but they are still hiding from her.

 

I am thinking that the small one might end up second in command, as she has put the other two bantams in their place when they first arrived. She is also a crazy chicken, and will randomly run past Miffy at lightening speed when she was ignoring them, she then proceeds to remember they are there and this starts the pecking again!

 

So I think there are lots of positives, but I am so worried about them hiding - I am making sure that they have plenty of time when either the door is open so they can all get outside, or that Miffy is freeranging and they can have the run and the outside bit to themselves. At least I know they are eating and drinking then.

 

So as I said I am hoping someone is going to tell me it is not too bad, and could be worse! THere has been no fights, blood, etc. But as I said am worried about them being so scared of her, and hiding. If I did not force them down, I think they would stay upstairs all day

 

I am hopeful that as she seems to be have semi accepted the other two, that she will stop being so mean to the small girl Is there anything else I can do to help?? I am hanging food up for Miffy, got a branch in the cage for sitting on, got a CD hanging up for distraction.

 

SOrry it's a long one. but grateful for any words of wisdom.....

 

Clare

[surfer_chicken]

If the smaller bantam is the boss of the other two, then Miffy would see her as more of a threat to her position of 'top chook', if you know what I mean. This could explain why most of her efforts are focused on the little one.

 

It sounds like you're doing everything perfectly at the moment. Make sure they have plenty of room to run away from pecks, and keep the extra food and water bowls out there for them. The distractions are also a good idea.

 

I had to introduce a to a lone hen last year, but that was one on one. They took a couple of weeks to settle down, and at first Lily was very harsh to the newbie, but they are now best friends

[Clare L]

Thank you, I really appreciate the reassurance. I got them now, as I had a two week block where I am not at work, so hopefully it will be a bit more settled after a couple of weeks.

 

Miffy is also doing something odd, she has started crowing!!! Sits on the top step of the cube and crows and crows! Nightmare! I wonder if this is some sort of dominance crowing?? They have done this once before (dont know if it was Miffy tho), and that unfortunately was when my poor sister was looking after the girls. We assumed it was because they could hear other hens and cockrel at a farm nearby?

[Patricia W]

Hi Clare

 

I agree, it seems as thought you are doing the right thing. And I think the crowing is a dominance thing as you suggest. One of mine does it sometimes when she wants to announce who is boss. Hopefully everything will settle down soon.

[Duncan08]

It is still early days, and they sound as though they are doing fine.

I have a "baby" she is much smaller than the other girls and is a bit of a loner, and has not yet come into lay.

They dont attack her but will chase her away and give her the odd peck. She is braver in many ways though and is the one to chase the pigeons from their patch.

They are a worry though, I am sure they will be fine and things will change again once they come into lay.

[Tweety]

As long as the new girls are getting the chance to eat and drink, and there is no blood being drawn, I would continue with what you are doing and let them get on with it.

 

I have always found that it takes about 3 weeks until things settle down.