Can you reset a pecking order if you just have two chickens

[TheSpiceGirls]

We have a group specific to Silicon Valley. I'll post there now and see what's available.

 

[kari_dawn]

good luck! And you know we are already dying for pictures of your flock to be!

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

Here's my beautiful BO Ginger:

And here's my problem child Coco the Jersey Giant:

I had an EE until two months ago. I gave her away because she really bullied the BO. I wish my BO wasn't so timed and shy. But she is. And she's my favorite thing in the whole wide world. I'm really nervous about her being alone but I'm hopeful that she'll enjoy the fact that she can eat w/ out being pecked at.

I really hate to give away the JG. I do love her. To bad you can't trade hens w/ someone for a while and then trade back.

Why is this so difficult. I'm almost sorry I started this venture.

 

[kari_dawn]

Both of your girls are absolutely beautiful. For me, the animals around me make life more colorful, and by far more enjoyable, and even worth the heartache that sometimes comes with these creatures that need our stewardship. Know that all of us are here with you every step of the way to lend guidance, advice, to be your cheerleaders, and when the time comes, a shoulder to cry on.

Don't give up! Everything will work out, and I hope that you continue to feel like those beautiful girls out there brighten your day, and just by their presence were worth the effort.

My first easter egger, Waffle, was the lowest bird in the pecking order. She was timid, standoffish, and got picked on alot. She lost all of her flock mates to a predator over the period of a week. I couldn't let her live alone, so I regrouped, built a better house for her, and got her new flock mates. As everyone grew, Waffle became the sweetest bird, so full of personality, and so loving. She also took a new place in the pecking order with her new flock. Waffle became the ultimate matriarch. Even superior to the roosters, only allowing one to mate her, and only on her terms (think wine and dine...the whole nine yards. She made him work for his prize!).

I really think that adding new girls will help your flock dynamic.

I hope everything turns out, and soon!

edit: by the way, bantams might be an okay chice...they may be less intimidating for your Ginger girl...even if you only get one bantam?

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

Quote:
Thank you. Someone close to me posted that they have some bantams. Wouldn't be my first choice, but I'm kind of desperate. The bigger issue would be if I get another hen, I have to quarantine her for a month. That's going to be tough.

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

Okay, I did it. Here's the JG in her quarantine. I left her alone for just a minute and came back to find that the pine shavings are EVERYWHERE on the garage floor. She was not happy and was telling me so. And she's half asleep right now. I can't imagine the tong lashing I'm in for tomorrow morning when she realizes she's going to be spending the day in there.

If I can just build up the confidence of my BO enough to peck her back, then it will be successful. I will work on that.

Thanks for the support all.

 

[kari_dawn]

aw, poor spoiled girl. I get the same toungue lashing when I don't let them out to free range for a few days

. Just to be clear, you decided to add to your flock? keep us updated!

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

Well, I always wanted four hens. I originally bought four. But one turned out to be a rooster. Not allowed where I live. And then my EE was always a pill and a serious bully. I kind of had her in check but when I was away on vacation back in September, she really beat up the BO. So I gave away the EE to a family close by who had two other hens, knowing that would put her at the bottom of the pecking order and hopefully put her in place.

So that left me with just the two hens. I desperately want two more BO's and really want to raise them from baby chicks. But I'm not able to find any right now. Which means waiting till January. I thought that would give these two time to bond since it was just the two of them. And they were doing so well. But we were gone a few days last week and had a pet sitter who was suppose to let them out of their run each day. I'm HIGHLY suspicious that didn't happen, causing the JG to get really frustrated. She's been super aggressive and just pecks at the BO for no reason. So now the BO is not eating again.

The BO is my FAVORITE hen. I will protect her against anything. So that's my predicament. I'd love to get two more BO's but even if I did today, they'd have to be quarantined for a month. So this seemed like the easiest solution to try.

Even if I only do it for a few days so the BO can eat and get her strength back. She's just a hot molting mess right now and skinny as can be. When I caught the JG pecking her off of the roosting bar tonight (three times in a row) that was the final straw. Thus, the separation.