JenCat060 Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 We have four hens in a large walk-in run. One is pecking a couple of the others (one in particular quite badly). We've tried sprays and things to stop boredom but nothing has worked. So we've now put the bully hen in a separate mini coop. I just have a few questions about the separating process though because I'm not sure if we're doing it right. Can anyone help with the following questions: How many days should we separate for? Do we keep her separate at night too? She can still see the other hens - and they can see her. They are quite close. Is this okay? If she still pecks when we reintroduce her, what's the best next step? All I can think of is to try and re-home her I hate seeing this hen separated but at the same time, can't let her peck away at the others. Any advice greatly appreciated. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel84 Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Have you tried bumpa bits? These were brilliant when I had a pecking/plucking problem and got them out of the habit. I left them on for 3-4 weeks and the group is much more stable now. It just stops them pulling feathers or doing any damage. The best thing I found to prevent boredom and bullying is bark chippings and a handful of corn or pellets thrown down in the mornings to keep them busy. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenCat060 Posted February 26, 2019 Author Share Posted February 26, 2019 Thanks - I've ordered some bumpa bits so hopefully that will sort things out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Did you get some circlip pliers to put them on with? They're a devil to put on unless you have some... how-to video here That will sort it out as Rachel's said. Best to catch it quickly before they nick the skin and get a taste for blood! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenCat060 Posted February 28, 2019 Author Share Posted February 28, 2019 Thanks - yes, ordered the pliers too - so fingers crossed we can get them on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel84 Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 Fitting them isn't that bad, we waiting until after they had gone to bed so easier to catch and also it is worth popping the bumpa bits in some warm water to soften the plastic which again makes it easier. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they can still eat ok - one of my girls really struggled as they were quite long and she couldn't manage so we had to take it off again after a few days. The rest were fine though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 Try a shorter bumpa bit on her then; some girls just have shorter beaks. Cotswold Chickens sells different sizes, but you have to ring them up as I don;'t think they are on the website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...