Injured bird during pecking order "debate"

[davidchickens]

I introduced some new pullets. Of course, they are bullied day and night in the regular fashion, but two of them are okay, for the most part. However one of them lost some feathers. I didn't worry at first because I'd had hens lose some feathers before from Cocks and had always been alright. I was a little worried at the sight of some red but didn't think it a big deal. Then I came in this afternoon, and almost every back neck feather has been stripped away and the critter is bloody. Instantly I isolated it in a wire cage, with food and water. It moves around a little and is breathing in and out, and blinks and occasionally makes a low, slight squack, but other than that, nothing. It seems that she can't walk. She has water but doesn't seem interested, so I put a little on her beak. I've done all I new but could still use help. Is what I've done good enough? What are it's chances? Anything that would help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your hen. It sounds like she may have had her neck injured. You have done everything right in treating her. Keep her warm, and if you notice any twisting of her neck,sideways, up, or down, post back here. Give her some scrambled eggs when she is eating. She may just be very weak from the beating or in shock. I would be wary of this happening to your others. Adding new chickens is difficult, and it must be done gradually. I like to place new chickens in the back of the coop behind fencing for a few days, so that everyone can see each other for awhile.

 

[davidchickens]

UPDATE: I'm sorry to say that pullet died in the night.

Now only two of the original four are left. I have them in a very secure wire cage inside the coop. It's floorless so the poop goes right down, but it's kinda small, about two by three feet. I hope it doesn't take more than a week for the birds to get used to each other.Question: How long do you suppose I should keep them in there. Sincerely Yours.

 

[realsis]

I'm so sorry about your bird! I'd leave them in their cage for about a week then really watch them carefully. If they are still being bullied you might check and see who is the bully and maybe think about re homing her if she's bad enough to kill other birds. I wish you the best and hope this helps.

 

[Eggcessive]

UPDATE: I'm sorry to say that pullet died in the night.

Now only two of the original four are left. I have them in a very secure wire cage inside the coop. It's floorless so the poop goes right down, but it's kinda small, about two by three feet. I hope it doesn't take more than a week for the birds to get used to each other.Question: How long do you suppose I should keep them in there. Sincerely Yours.

I'm sorry about the death of your pullet. Are the two left the same size as the other hens? If you have some time in the evenings to let them free range an hour or so before dark you can watch their behavior. The day you decide to finally let them all out, I would be sure and be at home that day. If you see a particular hen or rooster being aggressive, you must isolate them instead, in chicken jail for a week.This is what I use to introduce new chickens in my coop. It can be flipped over for chicks with poultry netting, or used right side up for large pullets. The top is netted so no one can jump over into or out of it.

 

[davidchickens]

I'm sorry about the death of your pullet. Are the two left the same size as the other hens? If you have some time in the evenings to let them free range an hour or so before dark you can watch their behavior. The day you decide to finally let them all out, I would be sure and be at home that day. If you see a particular hen or rooster being aggressive, you must isolate them instead, in chicken jail for a week.This is what I use to introduce new chickens in my coop. It can be flipped over for chicks with poultry netting, or used right side up for large pullets. The top is netted so no one can jump over into or out of it.

Thanks for the advice! Also love that pen! Ours is much more "makeshift" lol! The pullets are getting bigger but are still slightly smaller than the rest, so release day will probably be NEXT Saturday! Thanks guys for the support!

 

[davidchickens]

Alright. The two that are left are still in their cage. I'm considering trying to release them today. Any more advice?