Used Omlet outdoor rabbit run Width 2.2m Height 2.05m Length 3.1m vgc.

[Mrs_B]

I have posted a couple of topics about my issues with pecking chickens. If it wasn't one chicken, it was another, and I think they learnt off each other in the end. It wasn't just normal pecking, it was standing on each other ripping feathers out.

 

But I separated the groups and thought I did the right thing by putting the two bullied chickens together (Columbine & Barred Rock) but the Barred Rock has been pecking at the Columbine this weekend and it's got the point blood has been drawn As soon as I noticed this, I put took the Barred Rock out of the Eglu and left the Columbine on her own.

 

The Barred Rock has been doing OK in with the others in the last few hours and all have gone to bed fine. If it all goes wrong tomorrow I have a big broody cage as back up.

 

The Columbine took a while to get to bed as she was confused and when she was settling I put some more purple spray on her skin. She was calling out and took a while to settle.

 

But have I done the right thing? I wanted these two groups to work but I couldn't let the hen suffer with wounds. How long will the Columbine be OK on her own? Could I reintroduce one of my other hens when she is 'better'? All the chickens can see each other from their runs.

 

The advice on this forum has been invaluable...thank you, I am VERY grateful!

 

x

Edited August 13, 2012 by Guest

[cyclonetog]

Absolutely.

 

With blood drawn you have no choice but to take the injured one out until she's fully healed.

Once there's blood there will be no stopping them.

 

They are giving you a hard time at the moment aren't they!

[good_egg]

Oh Mrs B. I have no advice but just sympathy. I read your post out to my OH an the two of us feel so sorry for you - I hope you get order restored soon and a more stress free life.

[Mrs_B]

Absolutely.

 

With blood drawn you have no choice but to take the injured one out until she's fully healed.

Once there's blood there will be no stopping them.

 

They are giving you a hard time at the moment aren't they!

 

Thank you! I am glad I did the right thing - I really just want my Columbine to get better and feel more confident around other hens. It definitely feels like they are all giving me a hard time, I am sure it is circumstances I can't control which makes all this trouble is happen all at once...I am learning that's for sure! x

 

Oh Mrs B. I have no advice but just sympathy. I read your post out to my OH an the two of us feel so sorry for you - I hope you get order restored soon and a more stress free life.

 

Thank you, good egg! I think we are both due some good chicken keeping karma!! I do feel like I am hitting a brick wall at the moment, but now I have separated the hens again, so the Columbine is away from being pecked, I feel better that things will move forwards x

[Purplemaniacs]

If it is any comfort I had to take Henny Penny one of my first chooks out as they had pecked her and drawn blood, she lived in a large dog cage for a while until she was healed. I put the cage where they could see each other but not peck her and brought her into the utility at night.

 

Once they had all settled and started to lay they were fine as a group. I found as they started to lay there was some falling out each time.

 

Good luck, Chrissie

[Mrs_B]

If it is any comfort I had to take Henny Penny one of my first chooks out as they had pecked her and drawn blood, she lived in a large dog cage for a while until she was healed. I put the cage where they could see each other but not peck her and brought her into the utility at night.

 

Once they had all settled and started to lay they were fine as a group. I found as they started to lay there was some falling out each time.

 

Good luck, Chrissie

 

Thanks, Chrissie - it makes me feel better reading your experience. The Columbine has an Eglu Go to herself, she looks a little lost and has found her voice this morning. I haven't ever heard her squawk the way she has. I'm not sure what hen I could introduce back into the Eglu with her, but I have time to figure that out. My family suggested getting another young Columbine, but I am not sure that would work. The main thing for me is her skin healing and the new feathers which are trying to grow, to come through - thanks again! x

[Tweety]

Oh dear, it all seemed to be going so well once you had separated the original bullies.

 

Tbh, I wouldn't introduce another Columbine - there is no guarantee that it would solve your problems, and it may even make things worse.

 

Keep your injured girl separate until the wound has healed etc. I would then reintroduce her by supervised free ranging, keeping her separate at night if necessary until peace has broken out.