I lost one of my hens Lily a few weeks ago, and since then Aunt Francie has been bullied off and on by the other girls. I am not sure of the dynamics of flock relations, but this just started when Lily died. I guess the pecking order was disturbed in some way and Aunt Francie is taking the brunt of it. But, she has also been exhibiting some health issues too, so I'm not sure if the rest of the flock senses her weakness and is trying to cull her?
Yesterday, it got so bad that Aunt Francie refused to come out of the henhouse. Every now and then I would go in there to check on her. Of course the other chickens would run into the house because they were hoping that I had a treat or would let them out. As soon as they saw Aunt Francie sitting in the corner, they all immediately began attacking her head viciously!! Her head is all bloodied and her comb is torn up pretty bad. This happened every time I let them near her! By late morning I realized that she was not safe with them, so I brought her inside the bathroom.
I have been dealing with overall flock health issues for quite some time, and I have done numerous things to try and get them back in shape. Now, I think I might have a mite infestation, so I need to address that.
Lily is still in our bathroom, but she seems to be getting restless in the dog crate. And it's not as if I can keep her inside our bathroom for any length of time. I'm wondering if I should treat the wounds on her head with an antibiotic ointment? Also, if I can get her healthy I'm worried about putting her back in with the other girls. It seems as thought they have ostrasized her and the pecking will continue to her death. Does anyone know what my options are?
Yesterday, it got so bad that Aunt Francie refused to come out of the henhouse. Every now and then I would go in there to check on her. Of course the other chickens would run into the house because they were hoping that I had a treat or would let them out. As soon as they saw Aunt Francie sitting in the corner, they all immediately began attacking her head viciously!! Her head is all bloodied and her comb is torn up pretty bad. This happened every time I let them near her! By late morning I realized that she was not safe with them, so I brought her inside the bathroom.
I have been dealing with overall flock health issues for quite some time, and I have done numerous things to try and get them back in shape. Now, I think I might have a mite infestation, so I need to address that.
Lily is still in our bathroom, but she seems to be getting restless in the dog crate. And it's not as if I can keep her inside our bathroom for any length of time. I'm wondering if I should treat the wounds on her head with an antibiotic ointment? Also, if I can get her healthy I'm worried about putting her back in with the other girls. It seems as thought they have ostrasized her and the pecking will continue to her death. Does anyone know what my options are?