MillyJude Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 We got three little pullets on Tuesday morning, a buff orpington, a maran and a golden brahma, they are about 9 weeks old although I think the brahma is slightly older. I'm not sure what to do as the Brahma keeps pecking the maran, she has blood on her comb and a bald spot on her back. I have sprayed her with purple spray and doused her liberally with anti peck but she still seems to be being pecked. The brahma was pretty feather pecked when she came, and she is definitely the most nervous of the three. What should I do ? Is this normal behaivour to sort out the pecking order ? I didnt expect it in chickens this young. (addit info: they are in a cube, we have no other chickens at the moment, they didnt like the roosting bars so I have covered them with cardboard & bedding, the door is open and they can go out although they have not tried to yet) Should I seperate the maran? I'm worried about what will happen to the little orpington if I do, can I give them anything to peck to distract them? Are they allowed vegetables ? Any advice appreciated, we have had chickens before but none this young and they seem so little! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rhode Island Red Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 Welcome to the Forum. If I were you I would try placing a few "boredom busters" in the run to distract them from fighting such as boiled potatoes or brocolli stalks etc. If the fighting continues, separate the hen that is getting picked on, as once the other hens get a taste for blood they could become quite viscious indeed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MillyJude Posted June 29, 2012 Author Share Posted June 29, 2012 Thanks, i've run down there with carrots and celery and they seem interested in it. They have a large area to free range in, its all tree covered, so if they came out they would have loads to do. When do you think they might explore outside ? Should I take the legs off the cube for now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rhode Island Red Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 They do take at least 24 hours (well, mine did) to start exploring and even at that they will stick close to their house. They should settle in in about 2 or 3 days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
