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Barnyard Buddies:  Hen in “Chicken Hospital”  |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 22 2019 : 11:57:43 AM
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So, I have had backyard chickens for five years now or so. Added to my flock several times, raising babies or bringing in full size hens, easing the flock together by keeping the newbies in a separate crate inside the hen yard so they can get to know each other. Each time has been a smooth transition. I have raised babies before several seasons and know chickens have their own personalities. Wanted to add to my flock this year, so I did. ABout three weeks into the chicks, two of the girls seemed a bit aggressive, pecking at me or flapping at me when I would pick up the others, almost protectively. I worried they were roosters. Guess what, I ended up with roosters, but neither of the nasty chicks are male. Went through all spring and summer with no issues. The flock became one. But then, one of my last year’s girls went though a late molt and the nasty girls started pecking her. It got bad, so I removed her to the garage, got her well, and fully feathered, and transitioned her back. But then two weeks later they all went after her again (btw, she was not and is not ill). This time it got so bad, I wasn’tt sure she would make it. She is recovering well but it is too cold to transition her back yet and she needs to heal up. Any suggestions on keeping them from pecking each other? I used the Peck No More purple stuff but it doesn’t seem to deter the mean girls. They have even pulled one of the rooster’s tail feathers out and beat him up! We are thinking we will get rid of the roosters, though they were raised together and are buds. They don’t fight and hardly ever crow unless a predator comes in the yard. Looking for chicken advice from farmgirls who have been where I am now! Thanks so much!
Xoxo
PS Eating the offenders is not an option. I eat chicken, but can’t and won’t eat MY chickens. 
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
Chapter Leader, CT Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, Jan. 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blog
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
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NatChap
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Natalie
Clarkesville
GA
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2019 : 8:54:24 PM
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Great to hear your girl got feathered out and better! I have a nearly 8 week old nasty chick that is aggressive that I am concerned is a rooster. Please let it just be a sassy hen! They are so varied in personality and sometimes hilarious.
Here is a blog I follow with information offered by chicken-keepers about the pecking problem ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-get-chickens-to-stop-pecking-another-chicken.509825/
One of the commenters mentioned using an anti-peck dressing (containing tar to discourage pecking) to cover the wound. Another poster mentioned using Vicks Vapo-Rub on the feathers of the one being pecked. Then, isolate the hen as you are so she can heal.
Keep shining!
Natalie
"Ask what makes you come alive and go do it." ~Howard Thurman |
Edited by - NatChap on Nov 23 2019 6:18:46 PM |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9438 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9438 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2019 : 11:52:30 AM
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We tend to get rid of the mean ones. We have had ours together and had no troubling ever transitioning new into the old flock but there were a couple mean gals. We intended to get rid of them, and we don't eat ours either, unfortunately something got in and got 10 of my girls  including the mean ones. We would have sold them.
I hope you can get something figured out.
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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NatChap
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Natalie
Clarkesville
GA
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2019 : 6:25:38 PM
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Nicole,
I edited and expanded on my previous reply with some ideas from www.backyardchickens.com.
Denise,
So sorry about your girls. We have plenty of predators around here.
Keep shining!
Natalie
"Ask what makes you come alive and go do it." ~Howard Thurman |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2019 : 4:00:08 PM
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Natalie,
Thank you for the link. I have actually met her...she doesn’t live far from me. Her info is so good!
I will try the Vapo Rub! Sounds like it might work well.
I am happy to report my girl is healing nicely. :)
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
Chapter Leader, CT Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, Jan. 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blog
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
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NatChap
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Natalie
Clarkesville
GA
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - Dec 03 2019 : 5:04:37 PM
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Nicole,
I am happy your girl is getting better, too! It would be nice to live near another chicken lady who has good advice. Enjoy the holiday season!
Keep shining!
Natalie
"Ask what makes you come alive and go do it." ~Howard Thurman |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Dec 03 2019 : 6:21:14 PM
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Hi Natalie,
Today she let me hold her again...her side must not be so sore. She is moving around more and clucking and purring. She looks better, but a long way to go. I think we are getting rid of the roosters soon. :(
I have a friend who has chickens nearby, but I do not know the other lady personally. I attended a chicken seminar where she was the guest speaker at a local feed store where I met her briefly. Perhaps I could email her and see what she says...
Anyway, so glad my little girl is on the mend. Thanks all!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
Chapter Leader, CT Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, Jan. 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blog
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
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Barnyard Buddies: Hen in “Chicken Hospital” |
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Hen in “Chicken Hospital”
