2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Blossom247]

We got two Point of Lays on Friday. One is a Light Sussex and has suddenly become very quiet. The last couple of mornings she has sat down in the middle of the run with her head under her wing. She was out free range last night and this morning but tonight she was last one out of the run, crossed the garden and stood on the lawn looking a bit vacant. She normally enjoys scratching around but tonight was first one back in and first one in the hen house. I've had a quick look at her but there doesn't seem to be anything obviously wrong with her. Could she just be getting ready to lay her first egg?

 

Also, the second one is a Speckled Hen and our older (18m) Red Rock has really taken against her and keeps pecking her. I will get some anti-pecking spray at the weekend - does it work and who do I spray? The one being pecked or the one doing the pecking?!

 

Advice on both hens welcome!

 

Thanks

[angeluk69]

Hi, I got 2 additional hens for my growing flock and thought everything was going great guns until I went out last night and saw one of my newbies had blood pouring from her comb, so she was rushed to the vets for advice and this morning I got her some purple spray and anti peck spray (not taking any risks) as I have 4 out of 7 laying and 2 of them are rather boisterous. I've sprayed all of them as they all seem to have a go at each other over different things.

 

I wouldn't worry about the other one being quiet, but I'd maybe add som apple cider vinegar to the water as this is what I've been advised in the past to do. Obviously moving house is stressful and as stressful as it is for us humans, it must be immensely stressful for these small birds who are thrust into strange surroundings wi hens they don't know ( yep I'm a tad crazy and after the last 24 hrs I think I may just move into the vets)? I've had to separate my hens tonight as my white hen is now a lovely shade of PURPLE as is half of my hand (guess who didn't wear gloves!!!! )

 

Only thing I'd really say is don't stress yourself out about it, just keep your eye on the situation and intervene where needed

 

Hope it goes ok

[Gertie]

I have always found purple spray to hide any wounds and anti peck spray to be effective. You would put it on the hen who is being pecked. I would apply it as soon as you can if it's more than just an occasional 'I'm putting you in your place' kind of peck. If they are confined to a run you could add some distractions such as a couple of apples, a cabbage, peck treat etc, to divert their attention (normally I wouldn't suggest veg too early but if it's an introductions case...). Also, you can spend some time watching with a water pistol and squirt the offending hen if she is attacking!

 

With your subdued hen, it does seem to happen to me from time to time. I keep a close eye and do an examination to see if there is any obvious cause. I usually take them to the vets if there is no sight of improvemen after a few days and home treatments (tonics etc)t. It may well be she is coming into lay. Just keep monitoring. You can try to tempt her with food/water & try nutridrops if she isn't really eating or drinking.

 

Best of luck!

[Blossom247]

Thanks for your replies. Light Sussex was up and about as usual this morning so she might just have eaten too much or be about to lay. Seems fine. Speckled hen had no wounds but the bigger, older Black Rock is still chasing her and pecking. I've got the violet spray but can't see wounds or blood so I'll get the anti-peck and see if that helps. We've ordered a much bigger run as the one we have, while advertised for 4 birds and extended by the same amount again, does seem cramped so they do pass each other a lot!

 

Thanks again for the guidance!

[Blossom247]

I've now had the two Point of Lay for 11 days and they've both started laying but the 18 month old Black Rock (Ruby) still hasn't taken to the Speckled Hen (Suki). She chases her and pecks at her and yesterday was very disturbing when they both wanted to lay at the same time. I ended up having to remove Ruby from the run until Suki had laid?! I've sprayed Suki twice with anti-peck spray since Friday but if anything it's getting worse. I went out to check on them tonight and Suki was still up until it was really dark and couldn't get on the roosting perch as Ruby was lying underneath it. She had tucked herself behind Polly the Light Sussex who sleeps in the nesting box.

 

We've got a walk in run on order which will give them more room but it happens when they are free range so it can't be boredom or space issue! How much longer will it go on? Suki isn't fighting back and just runs away so I thought the pecking order would be established by now!

[Egluntyne]

It generally takes 3 weeks to sort out the pecking order. Put out extra food stations if the bossy hen is preventing her from eating and drinking.

[Blossom247]

There is plenty of food. It's heartbreaking watching them as my previous two were so friendly to each other! I hope it does settle down. I am concerned that Ruby stops Suki from laying - Polly laid her egg in the run! Suki just runs away but Ruby chases her. I am sure they'll figure it out.

 

Thanks for all your help!