About a week ago, I had to separate my WC Black polish hen from the rest of my flock. She had been the victim of pecking- to the point that she had a half dollar sized bald spot in the back of her little head. I went through the blue-kote and pine tar routine, which seemed to prevent further pecking.
However, on New Year's Eve, she seemed very off- closing eyes at a stand still, bobbing her head and falling forward. So, I brought her inside and isolated her in a dog crate, kept her quiet and warm, and fed her yogurt, scrambled eggs and her regular ration, along with water fortified with electrolytes. Vet suspects it may have been toxicity from too much pine tar!
Once she perked up a bit, I gave her a bath and a haircut to remove all the pine tar gunk from her head. It was weighing her crest down to the point she could no longer see. She now has a little spikey, needle looking hair-do going on.
I am afraid that with the feather shafts only showing, and her pink skin still visible through those, that the others would peck at her again if I put her back out with them. So, how long can she stay in this large dog crate by herself without being too lonely?
I have been taking her out to the barn with me while I do chores and let her run around to stretch her legs. And, my hubby will be able to help me rig up some type of temporary run for her to be in next to my main coop during the daytime- that way she can see/hear the others, but they can't get at her. However, she'll need to be moved back into the barn in her own cozy crate at night. And, with work schedules, we won't be able to put the temporary run together until Friday. Will she be alright? She's starting to talk alot more now, like she's looking for someone.
What is the success rate for reintroducing a pecked hen?
I apologize that this is so lengthy and detailed. I just want to do what is right- and I'm so attached to this little gal now that I don't want her to get hurt again. Thank you for reading, and for any advice!
However, on New Year's Eve, she seemed very off- closing eyes at a stand still, bobbing her head and falling forward. So, I brought her inside and isolated her in a dog crate, kept her quiet and warm, and fed her yogurt, scrambled eggs and her regular ration, along with water fortified with electrolytes. Vet suspects it may have been toxicity from too much pine tar!
Once she perked up a bit, I gave her a bath and a haircut to remove all the pine tar gunk from her head. It was weighing her crest down to the point she could no longer see. She now has a little spikey, needle looking hair-do going on.
I am afraid that with the feather shafts only showing, and her pink skin still visible through those, that the others would peck at her again if I put her back out with them. So, how long can she stay in this large dog crate by herself without being too lonely?
I have been taking her out to the barn with me while I do chores and let her run around to stretch her legs. And, my hubby will be able to help me rig up some type of temporary run for her to be in next to my main coop during the daytime- that way she can see/hear the others, but they can't get at her. However, she'll need to be moved back into the barn in her own cozy crate at night. And, with work schedules, we won't be able to put the temporary run together until Friday. Will she be alright? She's starting to talk alot more now, like she's looking for someone.
What is the success rate for reintroducing a pecked hen?
I apologize that this is so lengthy and detailed. I just want to do what is right- and I'm so attached to this little gal now that I don't want her to get hurt again. Thank you for reading, and for any advice!
