linsrambler
In the Brooder
- Jun 22, 2025
- 3
- 21
- 24
I am newish to chicken keeping prior to the purchase of these hens in April they were 18/19 week P.O.L
I am after some advice if possible?
I have 3 Speckledy hens in a GO Up with 2 meter run.
We realised very quickly that this was insufficient space for the 3 pullets as they were growing fast.
1 of the 3 started pecking the smallest, as new to chicken owners I bought a spray which seems to help the situation a little.
Over the next month or so we purchased fencing but as this was not secure we were unable to leave the hens out all the time unless we were around (they are on 1 of our allotments).
We had a few incidents of feather pecking and one or 2 eggs being broken due to lack of space, we then obtained permission to erect a 5m x3M walk in full cage, this also helped as we live in a prevention area for Bird Flu.
It has taken a while for the hens to settle down but now seem more settled.
However we are back to feather pecking on & possible by all 3. The original culprit is now also being pecked, not sure by herself or one of the others.
The feather pecker is the dark Speckledy and she tried to be the leader. One of the 2 light Speckladys got bigger than her and is now in charge. She is quite amiable with both the others so no animosity is visible and when checked in the coop no aggression is visible.
I have tried various toys ,swings etc , the only thing they like is a angled perch which goes from the floor to 1/2 way up the side of the cage.
I am still spraying every other day improving slightly but any ideas would be appreciated
I am after some advice if possible?
I have 3 Speckledy hens in a GO Up with 2 meter run.
We realised very quickly that this was insufficient space for the 3 pullets as they were growing fast.
1 of the 3 started pecking the smallest, as new to chicken owners I bought a spray which seems to help the situation a little.
Over the next month or so we purchased fencing but as this was not secure we were unable to leave the hens out all the time unless we were around (they are on 1 of our allotments).
We had a few incidents of feather pecking and one or 2 eggs being broken due to lack of space, we then obtained permission to erect a 5m x3M walk in full cage, this also helped as we live in a prevention area for Bird Flu.
It has taken a while for the hens to settle down but now seem more settled.
However we are back to feather pecking on & possible by all 3. The original culprit is now also being pecked, not sure by herself or one of the others.
The feather pecker is the dark Speckledy and she tried to be the leader. One of the 2 light Speckladys got bigger than her and is now in charge. She is quite amiable with both the others so no animosity is visible and when checked in the coop no aggression is visible.
I have tried various toys ,swings etc , the only thing they like is a angled perch which goes from the floor to 1/2 way up the side of the cage.
I am still spraying every other day improving slightly but any ideas would be appreciated
