Look don’t touch question

[CrockChickens9]

Yes, I can put more things to distract and break up vision. They are definitely the main attraction right now with the space they take up. The bigger girls do free range but we are so predator heavy around here and there is only the two of them so I’ve been only doing supervised free ranging for about an hour a day lately. Losing so many birds at once has made me pretty skittish but I’d like to get them back out doing what they love. I’m sure it’s hard on them being in the run all day. Thank you for your input I really do appreciate the help!

 

[BenisonsChickns]

How’s it working out? I’m about to introduce 4 6 week pullets to my 6 28 week olds and I’m thinking of trying the look don’t touch method as well…

 

[CrockChickens9]

No difference unfortunately so far. She is still pecking them whenever she can. She even pecked one while I was removing it from the cage and it was in my hand. Came out of nowhere. I have not been able to change the run up really yet. I just tried free ranging her longer and some entertainment. I’ll do more work on the run this weekend. I’ll update my progress.

 

[CrockChickens9]

Any chance protein could help she’s on 16% layer feed. If I give a little extra protein could that help? Not sure if she’s interested in their feathers and I think I’ve read that bad behavior can be from low protein at times. Any thoughts would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[aart]

Any chance protein could help she’s on 16% layer feed. If I give a little extra protein could that help? Not sure if she’s interested in their feathers and I think I’ve read that bad behavior can be from low protein at times. Any thoughts would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Nah, that's a popular concept but usually there are other more important issues.

Get the clutter up and going.

 

[Mrs. K]

You can try this - put the big girls in the cage, and let the littles out in the big girl area. It sounds crazy, but I have had very good success with this.

Chickens are about territory, and seeing territory is not the same as owning it. What you are 'teaching' the birds now, is that the chicks have to stay in their spot, and do not get close to the big girls area. Letting the chicks out into their territory, and the sky does not fall, does seem to calm down the older birds. Give it a try.

Put the big girls in the cage, and let the chicks explore the rest of the area. Feed along the fence line.

I think a lot of clutter would really help, and setting ups some safety zone, where the chicks can escape to, and bigs can't follow is also good. A pallet just up a couple of inches off the ground will work.

Mrs K

 

[CrockChickens9]

I will try this! I also plan to clutter up the coop this weekend. Thank you all for the advice. I appreciate it!

 

[RojoMarz]

Suggestion for when you are ready to start integrating...put the brooder cage up on blocks/bricks, so there is just enough room for the younger ones to squeeze under (but the hens can't.) The younger ones can explore and run back to safety when needed.

 

[CrockChickens9]

Thank you!

 

[Possum-Pie]

I've discovered from watching chicken behavior that some obsess much longer than others over changes. I have a SLWD who needed a saddle for a while to allow some healing. Other hens usually fool with it for a few hours, try to back out of the saddle, then ignore it. She spent 5 days backing around the run, pecking at the elastic, never leaving it alone. She finally managed to peck off the elastic, so I had to remove it. Your Australorp sounds obsessive. I agree with others-add some toys/distractions. If she it pecking at their feathers, don't integrate them yet, it could be disastrous. At some point in the future, they will be big enough to defend themselves, but be ready for a pecking-order battle.