Clingy baby

[Susanwhitten28]

So I have a precious baby Orpington who got pecked badly by the older ones because she roost and fell into their space. So she’s been with us in our home recovering really well .. she’s such a sweet baby she loves to be on our shoulders follows us around every where .. so my question is will she be able to go back into her flock once her wound is better. She seems so reliant on us it’s sweet but I do want her to go back with her flock soon. Also she seems to stop growing since the incident happened compared to her sisters is that possible or is it just the missing feathers .. middle photo is the healthy one

 

[azygous]

As much enjoyment as you and your family are getting out of hosting this charming little guest, it would benefit her more to be housed in proximity to the flock while she heals.

The problem isn't so much this chick imprinting on humans, she will likely remain a friendly chick, but the flock needs to see her and get used to this chick being one of the flock or else she will have to endure constant bullying. That sort of thing is difficult to unravel once it starts.

 

[aart]

3rd photo...<cringe>!!!
Best not to let birds near your face, they can very quickly put an eye out.
Plus the undue familiarity is cute when they are little but can be very annoying when they get bigger...a bit of a form of dominance.

 

[Susanwhitten28]

3rd photo...<cringe>!!!
Best not to let birds near your face, they can very quickly put an eye out.
Plus the undue familiarity is cute when they are little but can be very annoying when they get bigger...a bit of a form of dominance.

that’s why I’m asking if she can go back with her flock and how to go about it . But thanks for the advice?

 

[aart]

that’s why I’m asking if she can go back with her flock and how to go about it . But thanks for the advice?

Birds climbing on humans has nothing to do with where they are living.

Reintegrating her with the flock might be tricky.
Tell us more about your coop and run, dimensions and pics, and we might be able to give specific information. How many other birds are there?

This might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/

As might these tips about....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Chickassan]

How long has she been inside with you guys?
Also, is there any contact between your adults and her group besides her little trip?

 

[Susanwhitten28]

Birds climbing on humans has nothing to do with where they are living.

Reintegrating her with the flock might be tricky.
Tell us more about your coop and run, dimensions and pics, and we might be able to give specific information. How many other birds are there?

This might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/

As might these tips about....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Thank you lol I appreciate the reply and advice I asked for my barn is pretty big I only have 9 chickens 1 being a rooster . And my run isn’t yet completed but my back yard is fenced in . And is pretty large for them to roam around in . But my girl still has a messed up head I should just keep her close to the chickens just not where she can get pecked on again?

 

[aart]

But my girl still has a messed up head I should just keep her close to the chickens just not where she can get pecked on again?

Yes.