Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[tinkkletoes]

Hi All over 10 months ago I got 5 ex batts. all went well. over the coming months 2 sadly pasted away. so having space in coop for more, I rescued 2 more. I have had them over a week now and the original group are still VERY unhappy with new arrivals. i did the soft introduction with them divided but able to see each other but they did have to sleep together as only have one coop. it's now been over a week and it's not clamed down much. the main protagonist is the runt from the original group. she chases them off the many food stations I have in the large run and generally chases them off any area she decides she should have and pecks quite a look. the other don't bully much now. I have been using the Net-Tex anti peck spray but it's not stopping her. I am thinking of using "global herbs Chill out" has anybody used this for this problem or done anything that has stopped this behaviour. the new girls are getting scared & stressed and I don't want to make it worse if there's anyway I can sort before I will have to sadly rehome them as this is not what I recued them for. a very sad hen lover needs help please.

[Egluntyne]

Why not take out the bully for a few days. The others will regroup and when you return her, she will be bottom of the pile.

 

Aggressive, food related behaviour is very common in ex batts who have had to fight for every mouthful previously. It will settle in time. Also, it often looks a lot worse than it is. She can't physically man every food station simultaneously, so the others will get a bite now and then.

 

You could also isolate her for a while each day so that the others get a chance to eat.

 

If she was mine I would put a bumpa bit on her.

[tinkkletoes]

hi. thanks for the advice and mentioning a bumpa bit. off to look into it and find one to buy.

[Egluntyne]

They sell them in the Omlet shop.

[tinkkletoes]

as I have never fitted one, do you have any suggestions on how to fit one. she's a fighter and I don't want to damage her. I have found on omlet the how to fit page, but ideas from someone who's fitted one would be gratefully received

[Egluntyne]

Wrap her in a towel so that she can't flap around and use circlip pliers is the best advice I can offer. If you can get someone to help you, even better.

 

There is some advice here from the FAQ section.

[gavclojak]

Leeweedon had a similar problem recently and he fitted bumpa bits with success until of late, but it might give you long enough to break the habit. Maybe check his thread on it.

It can be so stressful but egluntyne is right, separate the bully for a few days to knock her off kilter.......fingers crossed but I don't think you'll need it:)