I’m leaving her alone tonight, just to let her heal a bit..I think I have a couple that may be kind to her. I’m going to try tomorrow. I’m hoping that with a controlled diet and exercise, that I can have her around for a bit. I love her so!
I didn’t know that she was a meat bird, I just moved to the eastern shore ~ chicken county! But I thought the farms over fed them, I didn’t realize that they were bred to over eat and die. I thought they could just be raised happily and not eaten. I’m horrified about this actually.
I'm so sorry. I know it just doesn't seem fair about certain breeding. With a little bit of extra care she can have a happy life You seem like a very good chicken mom! And if she's really just a regular Cornish, they don't suffer the same health problems as the cross. Welcome to BYC, by the way! Good luck with your flock!
Aww, welcome to the chicken family! There's lots of good info floating around on the site. You'll be a chicken pro in no time Pecking order can be a bit rough on chickens. Almost always it looks worse than it really is. Separate her until her wounds scab up a bit and try again. Chickens are attracted to red things (aka blood) that's why most feeders/waterers are red. So as long as she's bleeding, they'll keep picking at her. She has to find her spot in the chicken chain. Everyone wants to be top chicken!
Hi and welcome to BYC. For planning purposes, this link may help - http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need good luck
Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us Post some pictures of your birds, especially the Cornish X. You're on the right track btw, exercise reduced diet are key. It's also best to start a CX on an 18% protein rather than the higher levels found in starter. Often it's called a broiler mix. Since you're going for longevity, dial it back to about 16% (all flock) after about 5 weeks. A little blue-kote wound spray (wear gloves) can help prevent some of the pecking and help it heal. I've found that CX birds raised with heritage birds exercise a lot more and learn to forage better. Best of luck.
Thank you so much for the info and the welcome! I do have 4 heritage birds, so I’m happy to hear they will be helpful in raising Gertie. I will post some photos of all of them, I have a suspicion that the bully is actually a rooster...for all I know, Gertie may be one also.