counturchickens Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Well, collected 3 new girls today, ex free range. Shockingly 2 of the 3 are in a much worse state than any of the ex caged hens we've had before. One in particular only has feathers on her wings, and is almost completely bald elsewhere. Should i give her a pre-emptive purple spray treatment or wait and see if she gets pecked? Apparently, although 'free range' they were only out for an hour per day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 It breaks your heart to see them in such bad condition doesn't it?!! I had one just like that, she was completely bald and oven ready and now she is the most beautiful bird with lovely light ginger feathers. I would leave your girl alone at the moment and see what happens. I found that when the feathers start to grow is the time when the pecking can start and a good squirt of nettex anti pecking spray every few days sorted that out, although it does stink and does not look attractive. Good luck with your newbies, they are very lucky girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 I agree - wait and see if any pecking occurs before spraying. Maybe I have been lucky but none of my ex batts have ever pecked at each other and the last lot I had were pretty oven ready. Since when has one hour a day been classed as 'free range'?! Poor girlies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted October 21, 2012 Author Share Posted October 21, 2012 They're doing ok so far. I am worried about the worst one being cold, so she is being spoilt with corn in the evening. Their also much more skittish than our previous adoptees, although I'm sure they'll get used to us. Strangely they don't know how to go to bed either. Must update my signature, welcome to beaky, Brenda and birdie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
