Roksteddie Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 So our girls have been with us less than 24 hours but some 'bullying' has become pretty evident pretty quickly. One chicken is pretty constantly pecking at another one whenever she is in range and sometimes even when she is further away. I'm concerned that the one who is being picked on isn't getting a chance to relax or forage because she is having to remain very alert. I know that a pecking order has to be established but this seems a little full on. Should I be alarmed or should this settle down? Secondly, the chickens seem to be almost completely ignoring their layers pellets. Perhaps it's because it's different to what they're used to. They seem to favour stray autumn leave that end up in their run. Will they learn to eat the pellets more readily or continue to refuse to eat? Any reassurance greatly appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 It sounds as though that's normal pecking order behaviour. It can look quite brutal but, as long as no blood has been drawn, it's best just to let them sort it out. Make sure they have have more than one feeding and drinking station so the hens on the receiving end of the pecking can get some food and water - just a sturdy bowl will do as a temporary measure. It may be that they don''t recognise layers pellets as food and depends on what they've been used to. If they've been fed on the loose mash before you could try grinding up some pellets in a food processor or pestle and mortar and offering that, then you can gradually introduce the whole pellets back in. Don't worry too much, though, as they are usually savvy enough to work it out in the end Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmalou Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 I had exactly the same problem with ours as far as layer pellets go. Don't forget they get used to one food with the breeder so is normal and they will adjust. Ours also didn't eat greens etc but are fine now. It sounds early days with yours. Our have a pecking order too but there wasn't any bullying luckily. You sounds like you are doing fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 did they come out of different pens at the suppliers or one that had a lot of birds in as that can be the cause of the pecking/ bulling but it looks a lot worst than it is they'll get used to the feed, leaves are just more interesting than layers pellets and as said they were probably on mash or it could be that they got use to a different feeder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 They don't eat much until they come into lay, so don't worry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Keep an eye on their weight if you think they're not eating. All but one of mine have adjusted, but one just refused to eat. She lost so much weight I thought I was going to lose her, but as soon as she went back to the breeder and familiar food and surroundings she was fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roksteddie Posted November 7, 2016 Author Share Posted November 7, 2016 The top hen seems to be eating and drinking quite a bit actually... just the other 2 that need to catch up I guess. They all go crazy for the corn though! I'm reserving that until the very end of the day in a bid to get them to eat the layers pellets. They all spend quite a lot of time scratching around in the wood chip...problem is there isn't any food in it. Pecking continued throughout the day but nothing too severe in the end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 you be amazed at what they can find scratching about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
