chickenlass Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 I've only just seen this thread and I'm so pleased that you seem in better spirits now and that things are looking as if they can be resolved after all. I can imagine how awful it must have been seeing them fighting like that. May peace remain now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladylucan Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 I am so glad things are starting to seem better Milly, Just remember we are all here for each other whether it be a problem or to share a joke, Hope it all works out well, xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millymeerkat Posted August 13, 2007 Author Share Posted August 13, 2007 Thank you Tracey and chickenlass... I am at home as I am waiting for an operation and have been able to monitor them. Beryl came down from the Cube this morning only to be lept on by the miserable pair. Although they cannot hurt her as we have managed to fit bumper bits, they are still upsetting her loads. Audrey hasn't come out of the Cube since yesterday afternoon. I'm checking them about every hour to make sure they are okay and I've put a little bowl of water and a little bowl of layers and corn in there for them. Later on we will get the 'big girls' out and give them a break, but yesterday when we did that they didn't realise it was 'safe' and didn't come down anyway. I hope that they will come out eventually as I feel so bad for them. I had to squirt Ethel with water earlier as she'd been sitting ontop of poor Beryl for about 10-15mins and I though that was enough. I am trying to leave them to it and feel more confident about doing so, but now my only concern is that they'll never get the courage to come out of there! I hope not! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah 2 Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 Did you get the bumper bits Milly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millymeerkat Posted August 14, 2007 Author Share Posted August 14, 2007 Hello Sarah, I thought I would come on here to tell you that they arrived through the letter box about half an hour ago! Many thanks for getting them to me so quickly. Seeing them close up in front of me has helped me to understand how they work. We have seperated Ethel as she seems to be the gang leader and doesn't want to stop bullying the little'uns until she's commited murder, so it seems. Bettie on her own is maybe having the odd nip, but nothing more, so we thought we'd leave those three together. Audrey and Beryl were hiding in the nesting box all of yesterday morning and Bettie went in there to lay for about an hour and they were all in there together without a squeak! Maybe seperating Ethel for a day or two will take her down a peg - I read a post from someone else who did the same and it seemed to work. So, in repsone to your post Sarah, yes I did receive them this morning and I am incredibly grateful Thank you for you help and for getting them to me so quickly. Bless you! Milly x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah 2 Posted August 14, 2007 Share Posted August 14, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 14, 2007 Share Posted August 14, 2007 Sounds like it's all worked out Milly If one of your hens is being overly dominant, then squirt her with water immediately she gets out of hand, and force her to submit to you.. press down on her back like a cockerel would and hold her there for a few seconds. That will make her realise that you're in charge. It's natural for them to fight when newbies are introduced... they are happier once it is sorted out and the pecking order is established, but don't be afraid to segregate a naughty hen if needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
