Help ASAP!!!!

[HeneryHawk]

Just introduced 6 RIR's about 8 to 10 wk's old to a 4 mnth old hen. She's pecking one in the rear end and it's bleeding.. Pecks the other ones on the heads....What should I do and WHY is she doing this? ALL HELP NEEDED.....

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

It'll heal ok but you need to separate them before it gets worse. Can you put the younger ones in a dog cage in the coop so they can get familiar but can't touch? Good luck -

 

[EllyMae]

I would separate them...esp the injured one. Maybe even give the younger ones a little more time to catch up in size. I had to do that when I introduced a younger one to my 8 month old hen. It didn't go so well at first but they are now in the same coop doing fine.
I housed them side by side in separate quarters, then after a month I tried introducing them again and it went fine.

 

[cherrychicken]

I have no idea why, Not because there isn't a reasonable answer, but because I have much to learn in the chicken world still. Do not panic, just remove or isolate the hen or the chicks, (preferably the chicks) and check them for serious wounds.

Best of luck

- jenny

 

[Mahonri]

She is trying to show them who is boss. Time to put her in a pet carrier with the chicks running outside of it around her. She picked "the weakest" in her opinion to make bleed.

It will only continue... Once they are a little older they will work out the pecking order and everything will be OK... if it's not then you cull the hen that does it.

 

[Bock_Bock]

how is your coop/ where u keep them set up is there a way to cut the run in half with some extra chicken whire you gor around so that way they got room to move around and still the older hen can not get them just introduce them slowly just keep an eye on them and maybe introduce one at a time so the hen doesnt feel like she being taken over, or do it id increasing hours for intro let them be together for an hour or so then next time double the time and so on untill your hen is comfortable

 

[HeneryHawk]

THANK YOU ALL!!!! am in the process after I post this reply of bringing them in to get them away from my big hen. Keep the post coming...Maybe besides helping me it will help others....

 

[Opa]

I've learned the hard way not to introduce birds that are less than the same size into the flock. Even then the new birds will be picked at until the pecking order is established. Adult banties can and do survive with larger birds as long as they are adults. Then you segregrate your birds back to the appropriate age groups, you should treat the injuried bird with something like Blu-Kote spray to cover any bloodied spots. If not the other birds will start pecking at the injury site.

 

[cherrychicken]

Quote:
yes, that is the magic of BYC

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