I goofed

[MamaBelle5]

We just started keeping chickens last spring. When we added younger chickens, we had a separate, temporary coop and the run right beside our larger bird's run.

We let them separate but together for a couple of weeks before we added them.

Yesterday, we were gifted a buff brahma pullet. As it was already dark ish when we got home, we put her right in the coop. We watched for a few minutes, no one went after her, so we assumed it was okay.

Went down this morning and she had been attacked. She is okay, but the side, towards the back of her head is bloody. She was lying down by the water dispenser, protecting her head. I scooped her up and brought her inside.

I'm going to set up another temp coop using a dog carrier and a dog kennel. It's going to be cold and snowy tonight into tomorrow. Is there anything in particular I can do to make sure she is warm? Or is there a better temporary set up I can use than a dog carrier? How long do I need to keep her separate from the rest of the flock (at least until her injury heals, I know).

 

[Aapomp831]

Is your coop large enough to keep her in there with the others in the dog crate but they can’t reach her.... that would be ideal. Chickens don’t need other chickens to huddle with to keep warm; they are like their own little walking furnace units and keep themselves warm - they need ventilation over heat. Ventilation should be higher than where they roost; allowing moisture expelled by their breath to escape rather than settle on their combs. That’s how they get frostbite.

 

[MamaBelle5]

Is your coop large enough to keep her in there with the others in the dog crate but they can’t reach her.... that would be ideal. Chickens don’t need other chickens to huddle with to keep warm; they are like their own little walking furnace units and keep themselves warm - they need ventilation over heat. Ventilation should be higher than where they roost; allowing moisture expelled by their breath to escape rather than settle on their combs. That’s how they get frostbite.

I never would have thought of putting the crate in there! Yes, it would absolutely fit! Then in the mornings I can put it in her makeshift run so she can go in if it rains or whatever. Thank you!

 

[Aapomp831]

I never would have thought of putting the crate in there! Yes, it would absolutely fit! Then in the mornings I can put it in her makeshift run so she can go in if it rains or whatever. Thank you!

You’re welcome! Unfortunately, I have lots of experience with injured chickens. This way is just easier bc you can start the integration process along with the healing process... is killing two birds with one stone an appropriate analogy?
In the future, you can add a divider for adding new birds. Chickens take anywhere from a couple of days (that’s getting lucky) to a couple of months (that’s worst case) to get used to each other. Just bc they didn’t attack at night didn’t mean they all was well; in the am when they notice an “intruder” they are going to be on the defensive... it’s all about resources. Always have several feeding /‘watering stations so nobody can starve anybody about. In the days leading up to letting everyone mingle, I start feeding them together but through the divider by throwing out scratch and getting them used to eating side by side (but can’t fight bc of the makeshift chicken wire divider) and I always pick an integration day when I’m off from work and have plenty of time to observe and intervene necessary. Good luck to you!

 

[MamaBelle5]

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You’re welcome! Unfortunately, I have lots of experience with injured chickens. This way is just easier bc you can start the integration process along with the healing process... is killing two birds with one stone an appropriate analogy?
In the future, you can add a divider for adding new birds. Chickens take anywhere from a couple of days (that’s getting lucky) to a couple of months (that’s worst case) to get used to each other. Just bc they didn’t attack at night didn’t mean they all was well; in the am when they notice an “intruder” they are going to be on the defensive... it’s all about resources. Always have several feeding /‘watering stations so nobody can starve anybody about. In the days leading up to letting everyone mingle, I start feeding them together but through the divider by throwing out scratch and getting them used to eating side by side (but can’t fight bc of the makeshift chicken wire divider) and I always pick an integration day when I’m off from work and have plenty of time to observe and intervene necessary. Good luck to you!

Thank you for all your wonderful advice!

 

[Pghelp]

Lots of hiding places help too. Make sure there are places your "intruder" can retreat to out of direct sight of the others. I have 7 hens and the old ladies still think they rule the roost. I have 4 feeding stations and 4 separate waterers along with nooks and crannies that the shy ones can use without attracting the attention of the mean girls.