The Poultry Keeper

Motherbird · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 54 Location: Dorset

Having made a large pen in the double garage for the chooks, I felt they would be happy. This morning I found blood on some wood and checking each chicken, found one had been SO badly pecked on the head, she was bleeding quite a bit. I have moved her from the pen. Could anyone please advise me why the girls have started to do this? I have noticed that this (Bluebell) chicken 'purrs', (for want of a better word,) when she wants to lay. I have just introduced a cabbage in a net bag, hanging from the rafters. Which I thought would entertain them.

fenwoman · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:34 pm Post subject:

how large is the pen for how many chickens?

Motherbird · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 54 Location: Dorset

10 chickens and it is 11' X 11'. With a 2 x 4' perches.

fenwoman · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:48 pm Post subject:

if you only have 8 foot of perch space for 10 chickens that may not be enough.
I had to remove one of my oeg bantam hens form the pen because the others were picking on her. SHe was terrified of being in the ark with them and one morning I found her with her skull showing so removed her and never put her back. She now lives happily with the rumpless occkerel.
Sometimes one just bears the brunt of the aggression it seems.
Is there natural light in the pen? Do they have straw or shavings on the floor so you can scatter grain to stop them getting bored?
A photo of the pen might help someone to point to a possible cause?
Not much help I know but grasping at straws.

Motherbird · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 54 Location: Dorset

Thank you for your reply, I will get a picture.
Hey it is snowing really heavily just now here. Shocked

I will get a pic and put it on, but I will have to find out how, later, as I am off to work now. Sad

fenwoman · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 4:55 pm Post subject:

No snow here. All blue skies and sunshine and much warmer than it was yesterday Smile

Motherbird · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 54 Location: Dorset

Hurray! I have a pic of the new chicken run in the garage. I get the impression the chickens miss scratching around in the dirt. Although they have a lot of straw and are snug in the garage, weather being as it is at the moment. Just got to get it from the gallery. scratch

Motherbird · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 54 Location: Dorset

http://gallery.thepoultrykeeper.co.uk/v/Motherbird/Mobile+March+2006+007.jpg.html

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

they look very snug in there. Have they got a dust bath thingy in there ~ that will make it feel more like being outside.

Motherbird · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 54 Location: Dorset

No, no dust bath, that's a thought. Sad

I will have to think about how to arrange one. Any ideas? Confused

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

Get a large deep tray from the garden centre ~ called a gravel tray approx 24" x 30". Fill with dry soil if you have any or I think you can use some sort of sand, but I don't know what kind it is. I'm sure someone willbe along soon to point us in the right direction on that.
You can also put diatom in it so the girls does themselves at the same time as playing.

CP · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 5:11 pm Post subject:

We use play sand - if it's good enough for kids....! Rolling Eyes

Don't use builders sand unless you want very yellow chickens as the colour comes out! Shocked

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

You see, I knew someone with knowledge would be along soon ~ thanks cp

mojo · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 6:03 pm Post subject:

another trick for chooks in enclosed spaces is a huntit........simply a low sided box with wood chips (not bark)about 4 inchs deep and a hand full of corn keeps them occupied for hours............................. works for kids too change corn for wrapped sweets ........heheheheh.............mojo

Motherbird · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 54 Location: Dorset

Thank you, great ideas. Love the children's game, will try to remember that one for parties, Mojo.
I was wandering if builders sand would be ok or not. Sand would give them grit too, I suppose. My girls can't get enough cabbage, but it is so expensive right now. This is such a cool site.