Integration.....loads of feathers everywhere. Suggestions please?

[jandrusrn]

We're still doing the "tiime out" for the old grump at night. When she goes particularly nuts on the little ones, we put her in time out during the day.... so she can see them, but not touch them. Trying to gradually integrate. Fewer feathers today and lots of stuff to hide behind. Life is good.

 

[what did I do]

My little ones are now roosting in a tree outside the coop. We have to pluck them out of the tree and put them into the coop every night. I'm leaving them in the coop until noon today.if it gets hot they will go out but not until then.

 

[jandrusrn]

Was awakened at 0430 by a skunk attacking the brooder where we have our grumpy Barred Rock. She was flailing around so terribly that her comb has a cut on it, but thank God she only had a little blood and it looks great this morning and should heal nicely... I hope. Now... what to do with her tonight? I'm sure that if we put her with the others in the coop all closed up she'll attack some of the littles and might never integrate. This has been a long process. Hope it's over soon.

 

[what did I do]

How are things going for you now?

I thought I had things picked but last night we got home a little late and I found all my little ones roosting in the trees. I was out there in the dark plucking the little ones out of the trees once again.

 

[jandrusrn]

a little update on the misery...... our Barred Rock (problem child) has needed time out repeatedly and continues to be put in chicken jail during the night. This morning I just caught her with a mouthful of feathers.... naughty.

She truly doesn't have any remorse. Rude.


We'll see.... right when I think it's getting better, someone gets hurt.

 

[jandrusrn]

Update on integration.... things are improving albeit slowly. We have eliminated the "get away from the old crabby hen by running to the farthest corner of the yard" scenario and they are in the yard together... all the time. Everyone gets to eat, drink, lay down, and play. The offending hen is still a bit bitchy but for the most part just a wee peck on the bum is all the littles get. Gone are the days where she plucks feathers....

Sleeping is another story...... she still goes into chicken jail all night. Oh, and..... my hen is crowing. Yes.... it's a hen, I get eggs daily, and watched her crow. Good times.

Jane