All 3 chickens stopped laying today

[fantasticjudyann]

Well, after two weeks of being in a separate run inside the WIR, I let my 4 new bantam Orps out today. So they are now mixed in with my Bluebelle and my Speckledy hybrids. Mabel, the Speckledy seems ok about it but Bluebell keeps rushing around the run trying to peck any of the bantams that she can get hold of.

 

This is their first day together so I don't expect peace to break out just yet, but Bluebell is a large hen and I don't want her to damage any of the little ones. She is fitted with a beak ring but I don't know whether that will help.

 

I have added extra food and drink stations and extra coop cups for corn and treats so they should all have what they need. I also have two GOs so there is plenty of sleeping room for all.

 

I know that they have got to settle and reach agreement about who is head hen, but how long will all this take? If blood is drawn will it be best to isolate Bluebell for a while ?

[Chortle Chook]

How's it going now? If a chicken is being bullied then it is the bully certainly rather than the one who is being bullied who should be taken away from the flock in order to put the bully lower down the pecking order. However if blood is drawn then the chicken who is bleeding must be taken away for her safety as the other chickens will home in on the red of the blood

 

You've done totally the right thing in ensuring that there are several feed stations so all will be able to get plenty to eat

[fantasticjudyann]

Oh dear I have had to put Bluebell in the cooler this afternoon. She was terrorising the Bantams and kept attacking Sparkle every time she went into one of the Eglus to lay her egg.

 

So it is all relatively peaceful now and they can all see each other but Bluebell can no longer attack the newbies. Mabel the other hybrid is not as aggressive as Bluebell so I'm hoping things will settle now.

 

How long should I leave Bluebell in isolation? She has food and water but she is not having any more treats!! Do chickens learn? More advice please

[Chortle Chook]

Others may be more knowledgeable on this but the bully should be put out of the way for at least a week, possibly two

[fantasticjudyann]

Thanks shabby chic. Well Bluebell has been in the cooler for 3 days and seems a little calmer. This has given the bantams the chance to gain confidence and they all come for mealworms now when I sit down. 2 of them will take them from my hand. But Mabel the other hybrid wants her share too so I have some in each hand

 

I will leave Bluebell as she is for now and as you suggest consider up to a week or maybe 2.......she's laid twice since she's been confined so obviously not too fed up,!

[Chortle Chook]

The trouble is, Orps are notoriously gentle girls and not very good at defending themselves despite their size. This is why many people don't recommend mixing them with breeds other than Silkies or Polands. However, as hybrids go, Bluebells are also supposed to be very sweet natured. I've always wanted one because they are so pretty, but OH won't allow 'biggies or scratchers '

 

Do let us know how things go.