jeshen Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 I've got two distinct groups of 5 pekins, who each sleep in their own Go-Up but FR together (at opposite ends of the garden) all day. I've got a bit of a problem with Sylvia, my lowest ranking hen in the 'top group'. She has always been bullied to an extent by Daphne, the top hen, and isn't allowed into the coop until after dark, when there's always a squawk as she sneaks in and gets pecked. (I'm trying water pistol to stop this.) I've noticed that she appears to be getting smaller. Have put lots of food stations out so she's got access. Today, in the rain, the 9 other hens were sheltering together in the garden and she was back in the run on her own, looking miserable. Tonight she went in the other coop with the 5 youngsters. Why should she be getting smaller? Is it stress? Should I remove the bully for a bit? Would be grateful for your thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 Is she moulting? Feather loss will make her appear smaller. Otherwise you may want to weigh her to monitor the situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeshen Posted November 7, 2014 Author Share Posted November 7, 2014 No, she's not moulting, jimnpaula. Good idea re weighing her. She's now a good deal smaller than all the youngsters. They've all been wormed, so it's not that. Until she stopped laying a week or two back, she relied on Mr Darcy the cockerel to protect her. Now he doesn't seem to bother and evil Daphne enjoys lording it over her. Anyway, will weigh her and keep an eye. Thanks for help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 Well it sounds like you're doing all the right things. Mr Darcy won't be interested in her if she's not laying, and she won't be eating as much for that reason too. It might be that she does better with the youngsters for the time being, so long as she doesn't beat them up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 I's be temped to leave her in with the youngsters if there's no bulling from her or to her come morning you'll know if she wants to go back with her own group as she'll be pacing the wire trying to get back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeshen Posted November 7, 2014 Author Share Posted November 7, 2014 Yes, I think I'll do that. I normally let the youngsters out first to eat then go out to FR. Once they're out in the garden, I let the big girls out. Maybe if Sylvia has a head-start on Mr Darcy and co she might be more confident. I'm very tempted to remove Daphne the bully and put her in the sin-broody-bin for a bit, to bring her down a peg or two, but maybe that might complicate things even more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
