The endless Saga of Hettie the Hen!

[TPeers]

Well - we still have her and Boy has she grown!

Is it worth another try at getting all the girls into the same run?

She seems ok living on her own but it would obviously be better (easier) for me if all four girls were together.

Given all the problems last time how would you all recommend I go about the intro this time?

Terry

[kirsty b]

Can you put runs side by side so they can see each other without scrapping, or am I suffering memory loss and this is something already tried?

Kirsty

[TPeers]

Tried - sorry!

[OverWyreGrower]

The chicken course I went on recommended mixing up a 1/2 water 1/2 vinegar mix and spraying all the birds before introducing, that way they all smell the same.

I've tried this with other animals, and it does actually work!

Hopefully your hens won't realise she's the same Hettie!

[TPeers]

The chicken course I went on recommended mixing up a 1/2 water 1/2 vinegar mix and spraying all the birds before introducing, that way they all smell the same.

I've tried this with other animals, and it does actually work!

Hopefully your hens won't realise she's the same Hettie!

Wow! It does, doesn't it! TOH is eager for us to have all the birds together before we go on hols to make it easier for who ever is looking after them so we decided to combine the vinigar spray with isolating Blackie (the main bully).

Sprayed all the girls with the mix, there were a few scuffles between Kentucky and Kiev this morning but I went in with the spray a la separating cats and this afternoon they were sitting next to each other in the nest box like a pair of old women!

Wonderful!

The recomendation in the GOY mag is to keep the bully isolated for at least a week so we will do that, then move everything around, clean, spray and pray!

Terry

[shirlthegirl43]

Hope it all goes smoothly TPeers.

[Sue]

Terry
You have had fun - I hope it all goes right this time. Trying to keep myself from buying any more hens, reading of all your troubles has kept me back - for now. Of course if the vinegar spray works...
Sue

[kirsty b]

Hope it works for you Terry. It seems like one to try when I get a couple of bantams next month. Really miss my little banty, run doesn't look right without one in there.
Let us know how it goes

Kirsty

[Nicos]

I was chatting to a fellow allotmenter who helps out with the breeding of birds for the local shoot.
He was saying that the pheasants wear something clipped into their nostrils which act as blinkers so they just look downwards and it stops the males from fighting .
I wonder if you could adapt something like that for Hettie even on a temporary basis??
If it works and you patent it- will you put me down for a 10% cut in the profits????

[TPeers]

There is something called a 'bite bit' which fits onto the beak of the bully(ies) and stops the pecks from drawing blood - if I can source one I'd get it!

Won't stop Kiev from acting like a target and panicing every time she sees a hen.....

If she would just peck back and get a spine!

Pushed her down the ramp this morning - everything fine for about 5 mins then Kentucky said boo and Kiev ran for the hills again...... I don't know, the bird is a wimp!

On a brighter note, there was a jelly egg in the box this morning, it's not Kentucky 'cause there was a white egg as well - so maybe Kiev is actually going to lay a few eggs at last!

I'll let you know......

[Headfry]

Poor Kiev H. I still love her! She seems like me....I had a hard time from the day I started school.
Well done to you Terry, you have tried so hard. I hope she lays eggs for you soon.

[yoanbob]

good luck terry

[daisychook]

Hi Terry, hope it all works out this time. Our buff orp is bigger than all the others put together, and was the biggest cowardly custard, and was being pecked mercilessly by all of them!!! but now they all sit together (as you said) like old women!!!

We just isolated the bully for long enough for her not to be head bird anymore, so combined with your vinegar spray - best of luck!!!

Daisy x

[Paulottie]

Hi Terry, Hoorah! Kiev is a hen then? have I missed an installment? last I heard you thought it might be an effeminate cockerel! I've read about these 'muzzles' and I'll ask at the grain merchants for you.

I was reading Johannes Paul's book and he was saying, although vicious, unless one is really in trouble and being picked on, you shouldn't interfere and it will sort itself out in a few days. The trouble being that each time you change the dynamic- this will trigger the process again.

[daisychook]

I looked at those beak bits for my Welsummer, unfortunately I think you buy them in the 000's rather than a pack of 5, but if anyone else knows where you can get them please post!!!!