Problem with New Hen

[Chickens4Me]

Ok Vinegar on all 5 chooks they smell like a chippie Its not while they are roosting together its when I let them out then they see who's there and the trouble starts. Shall I just let them get on with it in the morning ?

[lynda66]

i think so, unless they all gang up at once and theres blood lol ..... just make sure you're close by to intervene ...... and maybe put more vinegar on them in the morning, if the smells not as strong.

[Sue]

I had one hen given to me and there was nowhere else for her to go. The cockfighting bit only lasted a short while but she was pecked and harried for ages. It didn't seem to bother her very much so I let them get on with it - no blood shed, I hasten to add. Over a period of five months it gradually lessened and, of course, when I got three more hens she turns out to be the biggest bully.
The newbies, in their turn, don't seem overly concerned by being tweaked, usually when the treats are running low, and still insist on grabbing their share and even, at the cost of being nipped on the bum, grab food out of one of the oldies beaks.
best wishes
Sue

[lynda66]

have just thought, could you get another hen from somewhere?? it might help if they have 2 to share the bullying??

[Chickens4Me]

Well its 6-30am Im dreading letting them out again, but I will watch them I know they are going to fight, just don't think its fair her bee on her own all the time. no I cant get hold of another hen at the moment

[Suechooks]

Chin up - just persevere. It may take a while and she may always be bottom of the pecking order but I'm sure you'll manage.

[MaureenHall]

You sound as if you're well prepared for another state of attack, but don't worry. If it does happen, then do the same as yesterday and isolate her. Then, at about 4.30 today, when they're all thinking about going to bed, let her out to join them. Give them their treats at that time too so they're more concerned with filling their crops before bed than doing the newbie-bashing. Tomorrow, try taking her out of isolation at mid-day and stay close by with other things (cabbage leaves, etc) to distract them. It might take a while but chooks are tougher than they look.

[vicky]

I introduced one hen and had a similar problem. In the end I let them all out in the garden (lots of space to escape) and let them get on with it, the bullying stopped after about 3 days. I don't think mine were as bad as yours tho as the bullies were newly realeased ex batts are were not strong enough to draw blood.
Just ensure theres lots of seperate places to get food and water, lots of distractions like Maureen says

[HayleyB]

I would also give them something they have to work for and takes time to eat, like hanging up a couple of corn cobs so the have to jump to get a bite. Snadger knows a thing or two about this - his hens turned into headbangers apparently it is very funny to watch as well

[lynda66]

might be worth putting a mirror in with them too, so they have 'other' chooks to take it out on

[HayleyB]

SCARY, Lynda's using her braincells bloody good idea gal

[lynda66]

brain cell dear brain cell

[Chickens4Me]

Well she has been in with the others all day, only 2 of the hens were chasing her and having a go. 3pm and my OH just shouted me saying they were having a right go at her, poor bird was huddled up in a corner. I got some corn out to distract the others, but when ever the nw girl goes near the others all hell breaks loose. Shall I still leave them all togethr ?

[MaureenHall]

It's nearly bedtime now (well another couple of hours), I'd do the "wait and see" bit now. If you think it's all getting a bit too much for her then you can either put her in the coop ready for bed or put her into her isolation bit till the others have all gone to bed

[Chickens4Me]

She is at one end o the run and the others seem to be leaving her alone, sorry about all the qustions but never added a new bird to my flock before