Derperella, the (weird) Faverolles, & Friends

[itsmechrissy]

This is going to sound crazy. But then we are talking about Derp, right? Anyway, I've read of a fellow that claims some chickens get picked on because they get more attention than the others. The solution being, to give lots of attention to the ones doing the picking. One at a time, of course.
I doubt you can do that with the whole flock but it's something to think on. That likely can't be helped, however I just thought it was something to consider.

I think that galanie is on to something here... I recently had to isolate one of my hens due to bumblefoot, while in isolation she got used to being picked up and cuddled. Initially after reintroducing her to the other girls, she would always run to me and follow me when I was in out there with them, I would pick her up and hold her and the others continued to pick on her. I did try picking the others up too but they are not cuddlers and didn't appreciate it all that much. So, I've stopped picking her up and the others as well, they do seem to pick on her less.

 

[Nambroth]

How about maybe converting a bathroom for her? I used to work in a pet shop and my guest bathroom has been home to anything from a ferret with brain damage, misc injured pigeons, orphaned kittens to an abandoned 12 foot python. Most bathrooms already have tiles, so cleanups are pretty easy and you could screen in part of it and still use the other half. Or maybe a small garden shed?

Thanks for the idea! We only have one bathroom and it's really tiny, though!

 

[Nambroth]

Well, I spent a few hours this morning observing the dynamics of the flock. I have so much to do, but I want to find a solution that works!

It really seems that the worst of all of this, and the main instigator.. is "sweet and friendly" Chickadee! This is bizarre, because until now this was absolutely not Dee's personality.
Derperella is just terrified of her. Chickadee actively chases Derp and when Derp squats, 'Dee is the first one to run in and raise the dickens. It was VERY subtle though... her interactions were not obvious especially when the hens were grouped... and I didn't see the patterns until I watched them for a few hours straight.

My only theory is that now that the chicks are about the same size as Derp (Derp is little!!), Chickadee seems to see Derp as a chick now. Chickadee has always hated the chicks and likes to chase them. Hmm.

So, I have Derp outside again and I've put Chickadee in the "time out" indoor crate. I'll keep her in for a few days and see if it helps or not. Derp is already more calm in the run! We'll see if we can get this figured out. I'd far prefer to leave Derp outside if she can be happy there.

 

[froggiesheins]

I'm gonna throw this in too, now that there isn't a roo one of the hens [Dee] has decided she is TOP DOG [the roo] and since she hates chicks and Derp looks like a chick, you might be right Nambroth. Lets hope Chickedees jail time helps matters, hope she won't be a repeat offender cuz of the 3 strikes law... and.............. oops ...does that count for chickens too?

Hugs to Derp

 

[nyanamia]

I think Froggie is on to something there, with the rooster hypothesis. Often it's the rooster who sorts out squabbles among the hens, so Chickadee might be trying to be the boss?

 

[Nambroth]

I do have a rooster now! But Moa, the Boss hen, is the current top chicken since my rooster is young. She sorts out squabbles nicely, but isn't active enough to stop Chickadee from chasing Derp all the time.
Panic Pants just started crowing this morning. Oh boy!

 

[nyanamia]

lol well I hope he turns out to be a good boy, especially if Moa teaches him manners

 

[StarLover21]

Aww- when did you get new chicks? Did you get another Faverolle? What kind are they?

My little Derp (Sammy) is growing up so fast! She's 17 weeks tommmorow! Eek!

 

[drumstick diva]

Gee, I forgot all about Panic Pants. I have to ask how Panic Pants got his name. I envision him shouting' the sky is falling ' many times a day and freaking out.

 

[Nambroth]

I put photos of the two new ones at the bottom of this page: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/nambroths-flock

Aww- when did you get new chicks? Did you get another Faverolle? What kind are they?

My little Derp (Sammy) is growing up so fast! She's 17 weeks tommmorow! Eek!

I got two Easter Eggers exactly one year from when my original chicks hatched-- May 9th! I will not get any more Faverolles unless I build a second run and coop for them. While there are exceptions to every rule, I just don't think that they always mix very well in a flock.

Gee, I forgot all about Panic Pants. I have to ask how Panic Pants got his name. I envision him shouting' the sky is falling ' many times a day and freaking out.

When he was a wee chick and we still thought he was a she (SIGH!), he used to spaz and lose his mind over every little thing, zooming around in a panic over everything! He would just not stop freaking out for weeks. He was the spazziest and most nervous chick I'd ever seen.