MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

Does Mary have dissolvable stitches or will she need them removed?

I think they're dissolvable but I forgot to ask.

 

[BY Bob]

I've been pondering that too RC. After observing the bullying Peggy gave Mary the other afternoon, I decided it best to separate or at least segregate, then integrate once Mary's at her best, or at least without any stitches. I may even introduce two new pullets at the same time to keep Peggy occupied.

Or maybe it would be better to provide more shared time and not watch while Peggy is violent towards Mary?

Nope, I would not let them mix while Mary is still vulnerable.

This is like an integration.

They need to see each other. Can you get some chicken wire and segregate the fun run so they can be out together during the day but not touch. Feed thenm at the same time on opposite sides of the fence so they eat together but don't touch. Then bring Mary in when it's cold out.

 

[MaryJanet]

Nope, I would not let them mix while Mary is still vulnerable.

This is like an integration.

They need to see each other. Can you get some chicken wire and segregate the fun run so they can be out together during the day but not touch. Feed thenm at the same time on opposite sides of the fence so they eat together but don't touch. Then bring Mary in when it's cold out.

Once it's warm enough for Mary to be outside with so many feathers missing, yes I can do that. That's the reason I bought those puppy play pen panels. Right now it's too chilly even during the day, and when it's not, there's no guarantee I'll be home to bring her in if the weather suddenly cools.

It's a little bit of a pickle. I'd rather keep them apart except when I'm home to do a "look, don't touch" and honestly, I've not found the "look, don't touch" method does much other than defer the bullying.

Once Mary's ok and the weather won't be a problem for her, I'll use the "sneaky roost together" method (which I have found to reduce bullying a little).

If, at the same time, there are three new ladies for Peggy to be obsessed by, Mary and Ivy will be safer.

New ladies would have to cope with Peggy anyway, so timing it to take the heat off Mary will at least provide a small benefit.

 

[BY Bob]

I didn't mention it, but it's been on my mind. Peggy attacked her several times and Mary became v scared of her. An attack involves homing in while Mary tries to outmaneuver her, then jumping forward to grab Mary's neck and holding on while Mary panics and tries to run away.

It doesn't seem wise to allow it while Mary's healing is ongoing.

It definitely is not a good idea to mix them.

 

[BY Bob]

Once it's warm enough for Mary to be outside with so many feathers missing, yes I can do that. That's the reason I bought those puppy play pen panels. Right now it's too chilly even during the day, and when it's not, there's no guarantee I'll be home to bring her in if the weather suddenly cools.

It's a little bit of a pickle. I'd rather keep them apart except when I'm home to do a "look, don't touch" and honestly, I've not found the "look, don't touch" method does much other than defer the bullying.

Once Mary's ok and the weather won't be a problem for her, I'll use the "sneaky roost together" method (which I have found to reduce bullying a little).

If, at the same time, there are three new ladies for Peggy to be obsessed by, Mary and Ivy will be safer.

New ladies would have to cope with Peggy anyway, so timing it to take the heat off Mary will at least provide a small benefit.

Yup. More pullets would help a lot. I like this idea. Then Mary becomes part of the order. Who is your alpha hen? Could this be Peggy trying to take over from Mary?

 

[MaryJanet]

Yup. More pullets would help a lot. I like this idea. Then Mary becomes part of the order. Who is your alpha hen? Could this be Peggy trying to take over from Mary?

Peggy took Mary's place long ago. Since Peggy got over her FLHS crisis, the pecking order has been Janet pecks Peggy who pecks Mary who pecks Janet. Ivy is off to the side.

So I don't think Peggy's attacks are about status. It's about being really angry.

 

[MaryJanet]

These two are settling really well into the indoor lifestyle. The bale of lucerne really helped. They've been very preoccupied tearing it apart and kicking it all over and eating the tasty bits.

 

[RoyalChick]

These two are settling really well into the indoor lifestyle. The bale of lucerne really helped. They've been very preoccupied tearing it apart and kicking it all over and eating the tasty bits.

View attachment 3263824

She is looking good in that photo MJ

 

[Grammy60]

Good morning/evening MJ and everyone

 

[rjohns39]

Good evening folks