Leicester_H Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Hi As you may know from another thread, I got 3 new ex-bats yesterday. They came from an RSPCA centre in Leicester who got them from the BHWT.(I think they act as a sort of distribution centre taking 100 at a time). They had had them about 3 weeks - they were all running around outside. I know they need to establish a pecking order - its very clear 1-2-3 in this case. Number 3 has been hiding in the eglu quite a bit today. We have been encouraging her out and squirting number 1 with water when she pecks her too much - seems to work. I noticed a teaspoon of (clear) liquid come from her beak when she pecked the floor. She drunk more water and I didn't see it happen again. I've seen her drink today but I'm not sure if she's eaten (she did yesterday). So wondering if she's being 'bullied' (probably too strong a word at the moment) because they sense she's not 100% ? I don't want to separate her as its only a day and could cause worse 'bullying'. Thought I'd get her out tomorrow and examine the crop. Maybe give her some yogurt and Bio-Lapis ? (vet recommended this for another hen with sour crop ages ago). What do people think ? (Couldn't bear to lose one after just a few days) Thanks as always, H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Oh dear, I have an orp who did this once too and thankfully never did it again that I saw so I hope yours will be ok. The only thing I would be inclined to do is check her crop has food when she goes to bed and then check its empty in the morning. Have you got separate food stations so she can eat? I only have bantams and I have used upturned storage box with a bowl on to give the newbies a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted August 14, 2015 Share Posted August 14, 2015 You will need to check her crop LeicesterH as said and make sure she is pooing. You saying they have been running about outside for three weeks makes me wonder if she has gorged herself on grass? That would impact the gizzard and result in a full crop. They drink water which spills back out because the crop is full. Eventually the crop contents go sour as a result. Hopefully this isn't her problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted August 15, 2015 Author Share Posted August 15, 2015 Thanks, both.. As she is new , we didn't know if she was naturally a quiet hen, bullied, ill..... She is a lot more lively now and seems fine The pecking order stuff has settled (a little). Will take some pics before their feather grow back. They're poor little things at present but getting more curious by the day. H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
