fighting

[katharine]

I have two chickens. Today they started seriously fighting-grabbing beaks, pulling out feathers. All quite violently with some bloody scrapes. We do not know what kind they are or how old but think 8-9 weeks. They are a bit bigger than a big pigeon. The main problem is that one of them is smaller and has a very crooked neck (and thus sort of floppy). We are afraid for him/her. He now has been resting on my lap for hours.
We have a small movable cage and a large one but when they are separated and not with us they cry. Help. We love them and are afraid and unsure.

katharine

p.s. anyone had a chicken with this crooked neck?

 

[wendy]

i havent dealt with that we bought ours at five months old. our baby peacocks are agressive and have had to be seperated.
but i did want to tell you your post is on here four times

 

[bigzio]

Plenty of room is very important. I would place them both in the larger coop with plenty of feed and water. Sress is caused by crowding, and birds are happier in a flock, so keeping them together with enough space should work fine.

bigzio

 

[akcskye]

The "elder" at the feed store told me if you ever have an instance of fighting that draws blood, to put some raw hamburger meat in the cage and let them pick at that, and then they won't fight anymore.

I haven't had to try this yet, but wanted to share in case it really does work like he says.

 

[dac63]

I had a cochin hen that developed a crooked neck when she was just a babe. I called her droop, because of the way she looked. I even took her to the vet when she was tiny and he said just wait and see how she does. She was one of my favorites and followed me around. She got into trouble a couple times , she got stuck under a bush and I thought she was dead, but nursed her back to health I had to hand feed her and water her. She got better and I had her for three more years and she fell head first in the waterer and It was too late when I found her. She was a sweetie and I am glad I kept her instead of having her put down. Good luck with yours. Donna