Problem with New Hen

[Chickens4Me]

Well all in run no noise, guess it will start again when they come out in morning and see each other

[MaureenHall]

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

Don't worry, ask as many questions as you like no matter how daft you think they might be. We're all really interested (and nosy) in finding out how other people cope with different situations. It sounds as if your new lady is going to be fine. What's her name?

[frias]

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

I'm looking for a suitable mirror. Do you know where to get a non glass mirror?

[Chickens4Me]

Well just a quick up date on how my new hen is getting on, shes in with the other 4 now and it seems only one hen is picking on her but she keeps an eye out for her and runs Lol. Seems she is now somewhere in the middle of the pecing order because yesterday I saw her chasing one of the other hens into a corner. Bloody Bully !
Well my 8x6ft new shed arrives this week cant wait to get it up and get them in.

[lynda66]

i've got a real mirror in with mine, just make sure it can't fall over and break,

not sure about where to get unbreakable ones

[stigoftheplot]

I got 1 new bird last year. Couldn't get 2 as not got the room. I knew they'd bully her for a while & was told about a week. It went on for nearer 3!! Every time I went out she was begging me to let her out. I tried the anti-peck spray but it didn't work. Someone on here suggested taking the boss out rather than the new girl as every time she's removed it just reinforces the fact that she's not 1 of them. By removing the boss it reduces the attacking as she's the 1 who leads it, & also lessens her authority over the others. This seemed to help a bit. I also squirted them with water if they attacked & after the initial couple of times, a shake of the bottle was enough. At least they wouldn't have a go while I was outside which meant a little respite. I think I suffered more than her though. We worried ourselves silly over it & it was heart- wrenching to watch their behaviour, but to a chicken it was what to do. She didn't actually get hurt, there was no blood drawn & few missing feathers so it was more intimidation. I think initially they try & see off the stranger, then settle into showing her she's the bottom of the heap! It does settle down & now after only a few months she's challenging the boss frequently!

[HayleyB]

Thank God for that, sounded like you had a real battle on yer hands.