Lintltj5
In the Brooder
- Nov 1, 2016
- 15
- 0
- 45
I need some help with an injured bird.
About 3 weeks ago I introduced 2 new 11 week pullets to my flock of 3, following the gradual introduction process. There was the usual pecking order ordeal, but one of the hens, "cluck" was overly aggressive. Ripping out feathers, getting on top of the pullets, trying to incessantly peck them, going out of her way to hurt them.
Cluck had issues with aggression before, with another hen, "Nellie"with whom she drew blood, attacked etc. Nellie eventually escaped her enclosure and we were never able to locate her.
I decided, after extensive refereeing, that Cluck needed to be isolated. The night I seperated her, it was like miracle clam settled over the flock. The pullets wer calm, mingling with the other two hens, "Maggie" and "Angela", with only the occasional peck at feeding time. They have been fully accepted into the flock.
Today, after a week of solitary confinement, Cluck was allowed to rejoin the flock. She stayed away from the pullets, and Maggie and Angela gave her the severe pecking order treatment, but nothing unusual. The pullets went about their business all morning, while Cluck kept her distance from the flock. All morning it seemed as if solitary worked for her, as she ignored the new pullets.
However, after about 5 hours outside, I went inside to take a phone call, and when I came out, I found the two new pullets, cowering in the corner of a fence, terrified. I noticed one was not being active, its neck was bent to the left and ever 5 or so seconds she s twitching.
Maggie and Angela, the alphas, came near and the pullets did nothing, but as soon as they saw Cluck they were hysterical, and Cluck darted towards them and attacked, really trying to hurt them.
I have decided to just cull Cluck, but the one pullet is now just lounging about, eyes closed, twitching, not being at all her normal spry self. She wont eat, she wont drink. Her sister is fine and keeps trying to snuggle her. I suspect some sort of spinal injury or concussion. She lets me pick her up, pet her on her neck, shoulders, head, without crying in pain. She can walk, I saw her running away from cluck, but Im not sure what or if I can do anything.
I feel so bad I just didnt cull Cluck sooner. These two pullets are so sweet and loving. I was really getting attached to them, and I will feel awful if this one dies or worse, suffers for weeks before death.
Any advice on what to do now?
About 3 weeks ago I introduced 2 new 11 week pullets to my flock of 3, following the gradual introduction process. There was the usual pecking order ordeal, but one of the hens, "cluck" was overly aggressive. Ripping out feathers, getting on top of the pullets, trying to incessantly peck them, going out of her way to hurt them.
Cluck had issues with aggression before, with another hen, "Nellie"with whom she drew blood, attacked etc. Nellie eventually escaped her enclosure and we were never able to locate her.
I decided, after extensive refereeing, that Cluck needed to be isolated. The night I seperated her, it was like miracle clam settled over the flock. The pullets wer calm, mingling with the other two hens, "Maggie" and "Angela", with only the occasional peck at feeding time. They have been fully accepted into the flock.
Today, after a week of solitary confinement, Cluck was allowed to rejoin the flock. She stayed away from the pullets, and Maggie and Angela gave her the severe pecking order treatment, but nothing unusual. The pullets went about their business all morning, while Cluck kept her distance from the flock. All morning it seemed as if solitary worked for her, as she ignored the new pullets.
However, after about 5 hours outside, I went inside to take a phone call, and when I came out, I found the two new pullets, cowering in the corner of a fence, terrified. I noticed one was not being active, its neck was bent to the left and ever 5 or so seconds she s twitching.
Maggie and Angela, the alphas, came near and the pullets did nothing, but as soon as they saw Cluck they were hysterical, and Cluck darted towards them and attacked, really trying to hurt them.
I have decided to just cull Cluck, but the one pullet is now just lounging about, eyes closed, twitching, not being at all her normal spry self. She wont eat, she wont drink. Her sister is fine and keeps trying to snuggle her. I suspect some sort of spinal injury or concussion. She lets me pick her up, pet her on her neck, shoulders, head, without crying in pain. She can walk, I saw her running away from cluck, but Im not sure what or if I can do anything.
I feel so bad I just didnt cull Cluck sooner. These two pullets are so sweet and loving. I was really getting attached to them, and I will feel awful if this one dies or worse, suffers for weeks before death.
Any advice on what to do now?
