Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[Jonesey]

I have recently introduced 2 18 week old chickens to an existing flock of 4 chickens approx 1 year old. Its been 10 weeks now since i integrated the newbies. During the first 6 weeks 2 of the existing flock were pecking at the newbies all day. I segregated the bullies for 3 weeks and then intoduced them again. One of the bullies is fine and the other 2 existing flock have settled well with the newbies.

 

However, the 4th in line from the existing 4 just won't stop pecking. its mainly when the new chooks want to go into the hen house to lay or at night. She will charge over and jump on their backs on peck away like a serial muderer.

 

Ive put the bully in a pen on her own during the day to teach her a lesson but the minute shes out shes at it again.

 

I'm getting fed up with this chicken so much. I think its best for the bully to leave, Ive asked around if anyone wants a chicken but with no success. Before the newbies she was fine and she lays every day without fail, should I consider culling the chicken, if so how or is there a chicken farm for naughty girls she can go to?

[Margaret]

I have had the exact same problem

I did something I would never have considered, I brought and used Bumper bits.

Upset me terrible, even cried when Oh put them on, did bother the girls for about 30 mins, and were then fine.

infact yesterday OH took them off and two weeks later we have harmoney, drastic I know but did work for me.

Hope this helps, Its so upsetting when your lovely gentle hens turns so horrid.

[keyhole kate]

Have you tried the nasty tasting products to put the bully off or my tried and tested method of squirting the bully with water pistol/hose when she attacks the newbie ? Chickens are smart and it didn't take long before I only had to pick up the hose for my bully to think twice and walk off

[Jonesey]

Hi Margaret,

 

never heard of bumper bits but will give it a go. How many do I buy and would I have to change it daily etc?

 

Thanks and Regards

[Luvachicken]

Have you tried any of the anti peck sprays. They smell like all the worlds ash trays. Sadly it is the victim that gets sprayed but it is meant to taste foul to the pecker.

As for the bumper bits you get one for each pecker. I'm pretty certain it stays on until it falls off or you take it off.

You need special pliers to fit them on.

If you have bantams though, like me, it is difficult to find the bumper bits small enough to fit.

 

Sadly for me, my pecker needed to be put to sleep (lady bits fell out) and that ended the problem.

 

I hope you get something sorted.

[Jonesey]

Hi Luvachicken,

 

I tried the anti pecking spray and boy does that stink, I sprayed it on the two newbies leaving a stinky black mark on the neck and back, the only problem was I also sprayed it on my hand too! the good news though the wife kept away from me all night!!

 

sadly the spray didnt deter the bully, she still stands guard by the chicken house, the poor newbies were crossing their legs in desperation not to lay so I had to move the bully for an hour to let them lay. She is there again at dusk standing guard and the newbies have to wait until dark before they creep into the house

[poppers77]

Hi Jonesey,

 

Try orgego stim in their in their water availble from Omlet? It's a bit like prosac for chickens!

 

I've used bumper bits for ages & although we still have moments when they get stressed of poor old gwinnie being scalped! (They didn't like tha patio being built -they are settled again now & gwinnie has some desighner stubble). I've never found any of the the anti peck sprays to work - although i've never braved the 'stockhol tar' scenario. They do have anti bac in them for any wounds caused by viscious pecking though?

 

Have to got now - they've broke through the barier to the new patio & are eating the hostas!!

?

Distractions help ( ie hostas!) logs cabages polystyrene

L

[Bantambabe]

The bumper bits stay on for quite a while if you get a good fit - one of mine lasted about 2 months.

 

Unfortunately, my bully didn't give up and although she couldn't break the skin with the bumper bit on she still seemed to be able to grab feathers. I tried every spray on the market and after a day of watching closely and deciding it really was only her doing the bullying, the difficult decision was made. A friend came and despatched her and took her home for dinner (she was apparently very tasty, if a little lean). Peace and tranquility return with the others and no more problems - I did feel a bit mean, but t'was for the best for all the others.