Heatherella
Songster
- Jun 7, 2020
- 93
- 108
- 111
We introduced 4 babies to our flock this summer to add to the two that were hatched by our broody hen. Everything has been going fine! The babies are now 3 months old. We have a large coop/ run and they free range during the day.
This afternoon one of the pullets was viciously attacked by the older hens. I feel utterly responsible.
Here is what happened:
I have a crossbeak cockerel that I feed separately. He was eating his mash outside the run by himself when I heard a commotion. Three older hens were on top of my little pullet and before I could get to her, they tore the skin off the top of her head. I feel like this is totally my fault! I think everyone wanted at his mash and it created the perfect storm.
I have separated her and cared for her wound which is pretty bad looking. I have a plan for her nursing care. I am confident her wound will heal. She is eating already.
That said, I have NO idea what I should do about keeping the young birds with the older ones now. I thought we had a great set up with places for the young ones to go where the big ones can't bother them and multiple feeding/ water stations. Should I assume this was an isolated incident? The pullet got trapped in a corner and couldn't escape.
I do have a small coop we aren't using right now. Should I throw in the towel on integrating and separate the young ones?
Ugh! Advice would be so appreciated. This is so sad and upsetting.
This afternoon one of the pullets was viciously attacked by the older hens. I feel utterly responsible.
Here is what happened:
I have a crossbeak cockerel that I feed separately. He was eating his mash outside the run by himself when I heard a commotion. Three older hens were on top of my little pullet and before I could get to her, they tore the skin off the top of her head. I feel like this is totally my fault! I think everyone wanted at his mash and it created the perfect storm.
I have separated her and cared for her wound which is pretty bad looking. I have a plan for her nursing care. I am confident her wound will heal. She is eating already.
That said, I have NO idea what I should do about keeping the young birds with the older ones now. I thought we had a great set up with places for the young ones to go where the big ones can't bother them and multiple feeding/ water stations. Should I assume this was an isolated incident? The pullet got trapped in a corner and couldn't escape.
I do have a small coop we aren't using right now. Should I throw in the towel on integrating and separate the young ones?
Ugh! Advice would be so appreciated. This is so sad and upsetting.