The Poultry Keeper

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

Well, that was a shock to the system!

My original 4 managed to pick off one and get her in a corner poor thing. I had to wade in and separate her quick. Meanwhile the other two were having a whistle-stop tour of the garden only stopping at the refreshment stand!

Ooh it was horrible to watch... Shocked

I tried the handfuls of corn but no - i obviously have mutant chickens!

They are all out there still however in their separate groups and only when they spot each other does the bullying start - fortunately the minute that they are out of sight they seem to forget the others existence. When i left them a minute ago the oven readies were all in the wrong hen house looking quite comfy whilst the others were tucking into the layers mash which they don't usually get.

What to do next though? Should i separate them tonight or pop them all in the same house together? I think socialising during the day and separate living accommodation will be the thing for a couple of nights. I may have to further exile niblet as she seems to be the instigator of the pack thing.

Any suggestions or experiences would be very gratefully received...
Confused

debcat · Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 3:33 pm Post subject:

chickens can be really nasty Confused

I'd seperate them at night at first and keep an eye on them in the day
they will soon work out a pecking order
It might be a good idea to put niblet on her own, when you add her back in she won't be top of the pecking order anymore - thats the theory anyway
Rolling Eyes

good luck

CP · Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 3:40 pm Post subject:

I agree with debcat. It's always suggested you put them together to roost once it's dark too, when you finally do that. Wink

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

Thanks guys, i thought that would be the case.

I have just been out there again and things seem to be settling down somewhat.... It is just the occasional squabble.

I will continue this for the next couple of days and when i introduce the newbies to the chicken house niblet can have the second house for a day or two and see how that pans out....

I am now just going to sort through the many photos of chickens bums i have taken today to see if i can find a head in there somewhere! Rolling Eyes