cd8jbr Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 Please help. I can see no reason why it should happen but it seems the other 4 are picking on poor Henrietta and she's losing feathers at a rate of knots. I have put Vaseline on her comb as that has a small peck too but nothing bad. She's been anti- pek sprayed but I'm just wondering what else I can do. I'm not even sure if its just one or all four who are having a go! I let them out when I can but dark nights and weather mean they are in their run much of the time but the has never led to them picking on one except as ex-batts they were first freed. Just when I was congratulating them, and me, on their first year of freedom and being beautiful - this happens! Any ideas anyone? I've heard of bumper bits but jnow very little about them, how to fit them, what size I'd need etc but I'd hope that would be a last resort. Thanks in advance for listening and advice ) Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 Is Henrietta well otherwise, it might be worth checking her over as I think the others can sense it and will pick on a poorly hen. Perhaps you could try something to guard against boredom. I put a bird feeder hung up with brocilli, today they have apple and love it. its always such a worry when something like this happens. Hopefully someone with more experience will have some other suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd8jbr Posted December 12, 2012 Author Share Posted December 12, 2012 Thanks for that. Henrietta seems fine - nothing amiss that I can see. I picked her up and gave her a look at the weekend and again today but nothing I can see is wrong. She's bright eyed and active and keen to get mealworms etc. When I'm in at bedtime I give them warm mash and she's always straight in there so her appetite seems good. They have veg hanging for them to have a go at - mostly sweetcorn and cabbage but will add more for them. She's looking a bit threadbare which worries me especially as its cold these days. They are sheltered but its still a bit nippy out there these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 Oh maybe she is starting a moult. When my top girl Gertie had a moult earlier this year I caught Esme picking the new feathers growing on her chest. I was really surprised that Gertie just let her do it but then silkies are a bit soft. I used anti peck for a few days and she lost interest. I realky hope it resolves for you as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd8jbr Posted December 12, 2012 Author Share Posted December 12, 2012 I wondered about a moult but if it is that she's got a great sense of timing! I will keep up with the anti pek for now and see what happens. I don't know if its relevant but when she was picked up to spray today a big feather fell out. I don't know if it was loosened by the other hens or it's natural - these are my first chooks so I've still got a lot to learn. We seem to be doing well up to now but maybe every now and again I panic unnecessarily. I know Henrietta isn't a dominant hen - I've seen her being very submissive and put in her place but I've never actually seen any of the others have a go at her. Aargh, I just want them to live happily and enjoy their retirement as long as they can...we'll see I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 sounds like she's started to moult. my lot have been real grumpy with each other since September when the moult started, it's a real stressful time for some birds and I've noticed this year one or 2 of the lower ranked girls have takem advantage of it to try to move up the pecking order or settle a few scores Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimmyCustard Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 The lady that sold me my hybrids also told me not to give them sweetcorn a lot, she said it appears to act like E numbers do in sweets for children, makes them a little hyper! They then start pulling at each other for entertainment rather than focusing on searching for food as in the wild. This is especially the case during winter and the long dark nights, they do get bored so maybe try greens or cooked sprouts in a net and hang your bird feeder up a little higher so they have to work for their treats. Not sure if she is right but I have cut right back on sweetcorn and although one has a baldy botty, they seem to be happier and much calmer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd8jbr Posted December 12, 2012 Author Share Posted December 12, 2012 I will cut out the sweetcorn and see if that helps. i will hang up more treats and a little higher too. Can't hurt that's for sure. I'm feeling happier now that it's quite likely to be a moult but will keep an eye on her. Thanks to all for taking the time and trouble to reply and offer advice - it's always nice to know there is somewhere to turn to where the lovely folks are friendly and willing to offer advice and support. Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
