Chickabee Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I have a pair of beautiful araucanas. They are 2 years old and lay lovey blue and greeny blue eggs. However one of them is a real bully. I've already moved 2 little ones from the coop. I've promised my friend I will take on her 2 girls when she moves home, and I'd also like to move the other 2 back in as they're living in the hospital. She waits at the top of the ladder at roosting time to attack the other chooks on their way to bed. Do you think I should sell the 2 arauncanas? They are lovely to look at, but not at all tame or friendly. I would feel like I'd let them down somehow, don't know why Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I'm not sure what is the best thing for you to do but wanted to reassure you that whatever you decide, you won't be letting them down. It is hard to come to the right decision and after rehoming Myrtle I did feel guilty but in the end I knew it was the right thing to do. Not only that but she is now much better off where she is and would probably be saying thank you for taking her somewhere where she could free range and have a boyfriend. Don't feel guilty about what you decide. The chickens won't hold it against you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted June 5, 2014 Author Share Posted June 5, 2014 Thanks luvachicken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Any way of holding Mrs Bossy back till the others have gone to bed, then popping her in last? If they're already settled and she's sleepy, it may make things easier. It may also be better when you take your friend's girls, as she won't be part of their pecking order and will be outnumbered. Other than that, I found water pistol quite an effective deterrent for bad behaviour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted June 6, 2014 Author Share Posted June 6, 2014 Good idea dancing cloud. I usually give them some sunflower seeds in the evening. I'm sure I could catch her then. She could free range until all the others are safely away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Choo-chook Posted June 7, 2014 Share Posted June 7, 2014 (edited) I have exactly the same problem with a choc pekin, she is so mean. If I see them lining up on the ramp to get in I have to go get her out the coop where she's lying in wait lol. It doesn't really work tho cos all my other girls go 'yay, mums here, who cares about bed' then Bea just slowly tootles back up for prime pecking spot I would notfeel bad about rehoming, I've often told Bea she's on a shooglie peg (but she does have the cute factor, so for the moment she's staying. Edited June 8, 2014 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted June 7, 2014 Author Share Posted June 7, 2014 I've decided to keep them. They're so beautiful and lay lovely eggs. If the problem gets bad I'll put them in the hospital and the 2 littlies back in the big coop. Whoever lives in the hospital gets to free range all day, so it's not a bad option Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted June 7, 2014 Share Posted June 7, 2014 I'm glad you have made a decision. I hope things work out for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Choo-chook Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Sorry, in my last post I said I'd feel bad about rehoming, it should of been wouldn't feel bad. My view is that if they are making you feel bad then they mustn't be happy too. I've never had to deal with serious bullying (and hope I never have to). I'm glad you're keeping them, and it's true a change of scenery does seem to shake them up, then settle them down. Good luck to you, it's hard when you have a mean cutie who's perfect in every other way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted June 8, 2014 Author Share Posted June 8, 2014 Very well said choo chook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
