First, I joined BYC about a year ago when I got my first chicks from TSC. I still get on BYC pretty often, but mainly just to read (and sometimes laugh!) at stories and such.
But, I am in need of some advice, and cant think of a better place to seek help!
I bought an EE hen at an auction about 2 weeks ago. She was quarantined ( and none to pleased about it ) and then I put her in a pen where she could see and interact with my flock of 5.
Big Roo, my 15 lb Dominique Rooster, loved her immediately ( he is quite the ladies man ). Raven, an australorp, clucked at her a few times, but didnt seem worried. Napolena, my bantam TSC special of some sort, really didnt care. Henny Penny, another TSC special, couldnt care less.... then we get to Mini Roo.. He's a golden duckwing OEG. He has completely gone insane.
I probably caused this problem myself when I just let her out with everyone, after interating from the cage for only a day. When they are in the yard, all is fine. She goes on her way, and my flock stick together and do their own thing. Now night time, is a totally different story. The first night they were in the coop together mini roo ( who is only the size of a large pigeon mind you ) had pecked her poor little head bloody. I rescued her, cleaned her up and put back in. They all settled down, and she was asleep with everone in just a few minutes. I thought wonderful, everything is fine, its all worked out great.
Next day, same thing happened. She goes on about her own business during the day, and is picked on by my mini roo at night. Big Roo tries to protect her, most of the time, but then its like he "allows" mini roo to get her for a second, and then intervenes again.
I'm afraid to separate them now, and then have to RE-introduce her again later and have the same thing happen all over again. Will they eventually work it out? I know chickens have their pecking order, and this is all part of the process, but I feel terrible for her!
Also, I have 6 chicks ( 2 RIR, 3 Red Sex-Links, 1 White Silkie ) in the brooder now. When they are big enough, how should I introduce them??
Thanks for your help!!
But, I am in need of some advice, and cant think of a better place to seek help!
I bought an EE hen at an auction about 2 weeks ago. She was quarantined ( and none to pleased about it ) and then I put her in a pen where she could see and interact with my flock of 5.
Big Roo, my 15 lb Dominique Rooster, loved her immediately ( he is quite the ladies man ). Raven, an australorp, clucked at her a few times, but didnt seem worried. Napolena, my bantam TSC special of some sort, really didnt care. Henny Penny, another TSC special, couldnt care less.... then we get to Mini Roo.. He's a golden duckwing OEG. He has completely gone insane.
I probably caused this problem myself when I just let her out with everyone, after interating from the cage for only a day. When they are in the yard, all is fine. She goes on her way, and my flock stick together and do their own thing. Now night time, is a totally different story. The first night they were in the coop together mini roo ( who is only the size of a large pigeon mind you ) had pecked her poor little head bloody. I rescued her, cleaned her up and put back in. They all settled down, and she was asleep with everone in just a few minutes. I thought wonderful, everything is fine, its all worked out great.
Next day, same thing happened. She goes on about her own business during the day, and is picked on by my mini roo at night. Big Roo tries to protect her, most of the time, but then its like he "allows" mini roo to get her for a second, and then intervenes again.
I'm afraid to separate them now, and then have to RE-introduce her again later and have the same thing happen all over again. Will they eventually work it out? I know chickens have their pecking order, and this is all part of the process, but I feel terrible for her!
Also, I have 6 chicks ( 2 RIR, 3 Red Sex-Links, 1 White Silkie ) in the brooder now. When they are big enough, how should I introduce them??
Thanks for your help!!
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