Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[Mrs_B]

I have now had chickens 6 weeks. And I have to admit there have been a lot more lows than highs. I have experienced worms, softies, red mite, pecking which has resulted in bald backs on two of the hens and various little niggles (such as not being able to hold any of them except one!)

 

Maybe this is normal and I am just taking this all wrong, but I feel quite overwhelmed and am not feeling 'it' as much as I would like.

 

The big thing for me at the moment is what to do about the pecking as it is really upsetting me (and can't be nice for the hens!) The lovely lady at the poultry farm I saw at the weekend suggested that two of my chooks could be pecking out of 'frustration' because sometimes they are let out onto the lawn and other times they are in their run. I have to opt for the run because of foxes plus my health isn't good so sometimes it is easier for me. My family (who I live with) are making an extension for the hens, and I will be getting an electric fence and a new WIR. Hoping this will make the chickens lives a bit nicer, but I am wondering what to do about the two hens which are being bullied now.

 

I have tried anti-pecking spray and violet spray (NOW I know not to spray them in panic when seeing a bald patch for the first time and NOT putting gloves on! ) but this hasn't really worked - I even sprayed the others in desperation - so now have purple splogged hens I bought some butterfly saddles but the chickens just didn't like them (and I feel stupid to admit I couldn't get the velcro to work). I have bought some normal saddles online yesterday, so waiting on those. I put in loads more woodchip into the run yesterday and that's seemed to have helped a little as they love new woodchip (they have branches for perches, a big dust bath, hanging fruit/veg etc inside their run...)

 

I have a broody cage I could separate a bully into if I needed to. But, would anyone think separating the bullies and victims in separate coops/runs is a good idea? I don't have a spare one at the moment, but I could buy a small coop/run for the two hens being picked on. OR I could wait for the extension and persevere with the spray/new saddles. Or I could just let the hens work it out (I am worried about it being a 'habit') I don't have the confidence to put on bumper bits so this isn't really an option for me at the moment.

 

Any advise would be great - thanks all

 

x

[good_egg]

No real suggestions from me, just a bit of sympathy. We got chickens at about the same time and it's been a bit of a roller coaster for me too - different problems, but I had bit of a "what am I doing" moment at the weekend/beginning of the week. I found reading through all of the responses to Mercedes 55 "Just about had enough" thread helped and having bought all of the additives etc that you can I am taking a note to chill. I think you might be a bit the same from what you have said before?

 

The pecking thing must be very frustrating and worrying but I think your girls have as much room as mine and (touch wood) they are fine - mine get out to free range in the evenings, but there is no routine to it and they don't have as much entertainment. Put Vegetables and stuff in and they love the easibed to dig through but they seem quite content. Hopefully blocking access with the saddles might break the cycle as it sounds like you have a bit of a schoolyard bully. Personally I would try that or have a go at bumpa bits (i know you said you werent confident, dont think i would be either so understand!) before separating them but I don't really know. Hopefully it will work out and in a few weeks you'll be loving having your hens again. Chin up

 

The only hen we could pick up easily was Viv, she hopped onto your lap for food. The other two have become a lot more tame through feeding corn/mealworms out of our hand. Nowhere near at the lap stage but a lot better than they were. I'm hoping perseverance and bribery will win out and am keeping going, plus picking them up whenever I can easily rugby tackle them and giving them a treat when I do so they don't think it's a bad experience. Someone suggested lifting them round into the run each morning as they are easier to catch in the cube or opening up at night for a cuddle.....

 

Good luck.

[merlina]

It can all be a bit overwhelming if you gets lots of issues all together!

I've no idea if this is the 'right' answer, but I'd be tempted to take the bully out for awhile (even a short while, a day or two) - hens don't seem to have long memories! (or perhaps mine are especially dim.. )

It sounds like they have a lovely run! I'd also try some more 'hentertainment' in their run to distract them - hanging up things to peck at - food such as cabbage (altho mine are most offended by any suggestion they'd like cabbage), corn on the cob etc. Some suggest hanging old CDs for lairy hens to take their aggression out on! I think changing it around/varying what's hanging up keeps them interested

you could try toys such as those balls you can hide food in. I tried pine cones with food crammed in which others have had success with but mine didn't seem interested.

[sjp]

sorry to hear you're haveing a rough start to your chicken keeping

I can offer advice for 2 of your troubles worms and softies happen to us all from time to time and are treatable so don't waste to much time worrying about them. worms treat with flubenvet 3 times a year either by mixing the powder with the feed or with the pre mixed feed.softies always have a pot of mixed grit in the run. if you have dandilions growing somewere in the garden then they are a good source of naturally calcium so a few of those a couple of time a week as a treat is good also if the softies are happening quite a lot them put lifeguard tonic in the drinking water for a few day that really helps but been as you've only had yor girls six weeks and I'm assumeing that they were polnt of lay they the softies should stop anyway as they get used to laying

[Tweety]

Sorry to hear that you are having some problems, and it sounds as if you have been particularly unlucky. I remember feeling rather overwhelmed after getting my first chickens five years ago, but things will settle down and your chickens will be fine.

 

I would definitely separate the bully for a few days, but keep her within sight of the other hens. This should have the effect of changing her place in the pecking order and, hopefully, making her less aggressive once you reintroduce her. As long as blood is not drawn, the victims will be ok, so try not to stress over it too much. Chickens are tougher than you think!

 

As for the red mite, softies etc, it sounds as if you have had to cope with a lot early on in your chicken-keeping career - but they are problems that all of us will have to deal with at some time, so perfectly normal and all part of the ups and downs of life with chickens.

 

ETA As for not being able to pick them up, I personally think that chickens hate being picked up and none of mine has ever allowed me to cuddle her! Obviously, they need to be handled at times and the best time is in the evening when they have gone to bed and are much more docile.

[Mrs_B]

No real suggestions from me, just a bit of sympathy. We got chickens at about the same time and it's been a bit of a roller coaster for me too - different problems, but I had bit of a "what am I doing" moment at the weekend/beginning of the week. I found reading through all of the responses to Mercedes 55 "Just about had enough" thread helped and having bought all of the additives etc that you can I am taking a note to chill. I think you might be a bit the same from what you have said before?

 

The pecking thing must be very frustrating and worrying but I think your girls have as much room as mine and (touch wood) they are fine - mine get out to free range in the evenings, but there is no routine to it and they don't have as much entertainment. Put Vegetables and stuff in and they love the easibed to dig through but they seem quite content. Hopefully blocking access with the saddles might break the cycle as it sounds like you have a bit of a schoolyard bully. Personally I would try that or have a go at bumpa bits (i know you said you werent confident, dont think i would be either so understand!) before separating them but I don't really know. Hopefully it will work out and in a few weeks you'll be loving having your hens again. Chin up

 

The only hen we could pick up easily was Viv, she hopped onto your lap for food. The other two have become a lot more tame through feeding corn/mealworms out of our hand. Nowhere near at the lap stage but a lot better than they were. I'm hoping perseverance and bribery will win out and am keeping going, plus picking them up whenever I can easily rugby tackle them and giving them a treat when I do so they don't think it's a bad experience. Someone suggested lifting them round into the run each morning as they are easier to catch in the cube or opening up at night for a cuddle.....

 

Good luck.

 

Thank you, good_egg! I have been following your posts and I was so sorry to hear about Viv. The chickens really do test your emotions. I think I definitely need to 'chill'. I need to keep thinking that they ARE chickens and they are able to cope with situations.

 

I don't think my columbine will ever be a 'cuddle' hen, she is way too flightly. But she's secretly my favourite, so I don't mind

 

Thanks again x

 

It can all be a bit overwhelming if you gets lots of issues all together!

I've no idea if this is the 'right' answer, but I'd be tempted to take the bully out for awhile (even a short while, a day or two) - hens don't seem to have long memories! (or perhaps mine are especially dim.. )

It sounds like they have a lovely run! I'd also try some more 'hentertainment' in their run to distract them - hanging up things to peck at - food such as cabbage (altho mine are most offended by any suggestion they'd like cabbage), corn on the cob etc. Some suggest hanging old CDs for lairy hens to take their aggression out on! I think changing it around/varying what's hanging up keeps them interested

you could try toys such as those balls you can hide food in. I tried pine cones with food crammed in which others have had success with but mine didn't seem interested.

 

Thank you! I think separation is the best idea now from what has been said. Do you think putting the bully in a broody cage will suffice? Or will it have to be in another run? They have loads of bits and bobs in their run, I think they are getting greedy and a bit spoilt Will try the cabbage...although they weren't impressed with most veg that I have tried!! Corn on the cob is a fav - so will get some more and I am going to get one of the balls with food in. The only problem is, anything that gets onto the floor ends up buried, there are a few 'toys' I can't find! Thanks again for posting x

[Mrs_B]

sorry to hear you're haveing a rough start to your chicken keeping

I can offer advice for 2 of your troubles worms and softies happen to us all from time to time and are treatable so don't waste to much time worrying about them. worms treat with flubenvet 3 times a year either by mixing the powder with the feed or with the pre mixed feed.softies always have a pot of mixed grit in the run. if you have dandilions growing somewere in the garden then they are a good source of naturally calcium so a few of those a couple of time a week as a treat is good also if the softies are happening quite a lot them put lifeguard tonic in the drinking water for a few day that really helps but been as you've only had yor girls six weeks and I'm assumeing that they were polnt of lay they the softies should stop anyway as they get used to laying

 

Thank you, sjp. Thankfully the worms have gone and I managed to sort the red mite before I had an infestation. I already have some Flubenvet ready for when I next need it - just in case!! The softies are getting better...so glad that is in the right direction too. Your post means a lot, thanks again x

 

Sorry to hear that you are having some problems, and it sounds as if you have been particularly unlucky. I remember feeling rather overwhelmed after getting my first chickens five years ago, but things will settle down and your chickens will be fine.

 

I would definitely separate the bully for a few days, but keep her within sight of the other hens. This should have the effect of changing her place in the pecking order and, hopefully, making her less aggressive once you reintroduce her. As long as blood is not drawn, the victims will be ok, so try not to stress over it too much. Chickens are tougher than you think!

 

As for the red mite, softies etc, it sounds as if you have had to cope with a lot early on in your chicken-keeping career - but they are problems that all of us will have to deal with at some time, so perfectly normal and all part of the ups and downs of life with chickens.

 

ETA As for not being able to pick them up, I personally think that chickens hate being picked up and none of mine has ever allowed me to cuddle her! Obviously, they need to be handled at times and the best time is in the evening when they have gone to bed and are much more docile.

 

Thank you so much for your suggestions, Tweety! DO you think putting the main bully in the broody cage near the main run will be OK? Or should she be in a separate run? I seem to be on top of everything else (worms, red mite etc) I suppose I am getting a crash course in chicken keeping at the moment! Hopefully things will settle and I can enjoy the girls x

[Tweety]

The bully will be fine in the broody cage for a few days, but if you have another run you can put her in that would be even better.

 

As you say, you have had a crash course in chicken keeping, and at least you will know what to do if there is any reoccurrence! I really hope that your pecking problem resolves itself - I have always found that sort of problem much harder to cope with than red mite, softies etc.

 

Good luck- I'm sure things will settle down.

[Henergy]

I don't know if your hens are all fully in lay or not, but I found that mine were easier to catch & handle once they were in lay as they tend to squat when you go near (apparently thinking you are a cockeral !!) Plus, one of mine did quite a few softies before she got the hang of laying - so it may be just time that will sort it out.

[Mrs_B]

Thank you for your replies

 

Silly question, I have the two bullies separated now (both in a big broody cage) do I pop them in the coop before bed so they all sleep together? I was thinking of letting the chickens all go to bed and then separating them again in the morning.

 

They have all behaved so well with the separation - I am so pleased. And the two which were being pecked didn't need to worry which was fantastic (their saddles fit well too!)

 

x

[Tweety]

I would keep them separate, as long as they are safe in the broody cage.

[Mrs_B]

Thank you so much Tweety, you're a star!

 

Another question (sorry!) I take it that it is OK for them to lay their eggs in the cage? Instead of letting them out so they can go into the nest box?

 

I feel very mean, I need to not be so soft!! They aren't stressed at all and it is such a relief to see the others much more chilled...phew!

 

x

[merlina]

I assume you will want to get them all back together if possible?

If so, you could try and reintroduce them in the way you suggest

Sometimes a very short separation can do the trick

Personally I'd have a go at letting them run together after a couple of days and see what happens

If that doesn't work try a longer period

It really is trial and error

[daxigirl]

Oh dear, i 've had pecking troubles too. The Crevecoeurs decided to moult which led to the others pecking their new feathers as they came through. I too used peck & blue spray every other day, which helped but they both learned to spend most of their time up on the high (well a couple of foot is all the cube run allows) perches, they're nearly there now. Maybe a bit of height in the run? Your girls may not regrow till they moult. I can count on my fingers the number of times I've caught Lisa-Marie & Paxo (2 of my original 4) they're not remotely interested in being friendly. My mum bought 3 Gingernut types and she could pick them up from word go Mine don't get out every day but they get lots of cabbage, sweetcorn etc hanging about on those days. Easier said than done I know (I'm a fine one to talk) but try not to worry and relax about it all.

[Tweety]

Can you make them some sort of temporary nest box to put in the cage? A small cardboard box and some nesting material will be fine for a few days.

 

After that, I would let them out to free range supervised with the victims and gradually reintroduce them. A squirt of water from a water pistol, if they start pecking again, is an effective deterrent apparently!

[Mrs_B]

Thank you so much, Tweety - your advice is VERY much appreciated!!

 

One of the bullies was going crazy in the broody cage this morning, I knew she wanted to lay so I let her out onto the lawn to see if she could find a 'spot'. But she kept jumping on top of the house and squawking, so I popped her into the run and she sprinted into the house! Bless them, now I know exactly what to do the next couple of days will be more prepared!

 

Thank you again everyone, every post means a lot!

 

x

[Mrs_B]

Well...just an update!

 

I think I am soft because I went and bought an Eglu Go to separate the girls! I just hope it all turns out well.

 

I have a couple of questions though...

 

If I keep the two groups separate and not put them back together and I let the girls out together to FR, will they use each other's new space/run/coop? And will there be a problem with the pecking order between two groups?

 

Also - will the group without the head chook be establishing a new pecking order soon (this is the two chickens on their own in the Go). I am nervous about this as the two girls recovering from pecking will be pecking each other? What do I look out for and how do I make this easier for all chooks?

 

Thank you everyone, you are all stars!!

 

x

[Tweety]

Your girls are very lucky!

 

To answer your questions, yes they will go into each ofhers' houses and runs - the other hen's food always seems to be more attractive than their own, and they will probably lay in each others' nesting boxes too. This shouldn't be a problem, mine are always in and out of the various Eglus. As far as relations netween the two groups are concerned , I have found that they tend to stick together and ignore the other group. There is the odd argument now and again, but nothing to write home about.

 

Each pair will have their own pecking order - it is unavoidable, and you have to let them get on with it as long as no blood is drawn. It may be upsetting to watch, but it is the way that chickens do things so try not to worry about it. Things will settle down.

[cyclonetog]

I find it helps to look at things from their perspective.

 

I agree on what you've done separating them, if you ever want to put them back together then put the bullies in the other hens patch. The weaker ones will be more comfortable in their familiar place which will knock the bullies down a peg or 2.

 

Chickens thrive on routine, so it's best to only do what you can do every day for them.

That means if you can't let them out to FR at the same time each day then don't do it at all. We've gone from full time FR to 3 hens in an Eglu and 2m run, they're very happy there because it's all they know. If I were to let them out now for a while and the same tomorrow that'd be fine, but on Monday when I'm not home from work to let them out they wouldn't understand why they're still stuck in the run.

[Mrs_B]

Your girls are very lucky!

 

To answer your questions, yes they will go into each ofhers' houses and runs - the other hen's food always seems to be more attractive than their own, and they will probably lay in each others' nesting boxes too. This shouldn't be a problem, mine are always in and out of the various Eglus. As far as relations netween the two groups are concerned , I have found that they tend to stick together and ignore the other group. There is the odd argument now and again, but nothing to write home about.

 

Each pair will have their own pecking order - it is unavoidable, and you have to let them get on with it as long as no blood is drawn. It may be upsetting to watch, but it is the way that chickens do things so try not to worry about it. Things will settle down.

 

Yes the girls are very spoilt but I don't mind too much! If they are all chilled and happy, it will make me feel better too (and my family won't be stressed from me being down lol!)

 

Thank you so much for your fabulous advice, it has helped massivly! I will let the new groups settle down and sort their new pecking orders out...at least I know that is the reason for the pecking. Thanks again!

 

I find it helps to look at things from their perspective.

 

I agree on what you've done separating them, if you ever want to put them back together then put the bullies in the other hens patch. The weaker ones will be more comfortable in their familiar place which will knock the bullies down a peg or 2.

 

Chickens thrive on routine, so it's best to only do what you can do every day for them.

That means if you can't let them out to FR at the same time each day then don't do it at all. We've gone from full time FR to 3 hens in an Eglu and 2m run, they're very happy there because it's all they know. If I were to let them out now for a while and the same tomorrow that'd be fine, but on Monday when I'm not home from work to let them out they wouldn't understand why they're still stuck in the run.

 

I think changing their routine is the main reason for the pecking issues I have had. Now I have learnt my lesson I won't be doing that again! It was really stressful and not nice for the chooks. They are much happier with the extra space being separated in two spaces, so fingers crossed it continues.

 

Thank you for posting and sharing your advice

 

x