Newbie is getting pecked!

[princess araucana]

I know I should be hands off and let them sort out the new order. 4 hens with 2 new pullets.
But the RIR has a swollen upper eye lid, like someone pecked her.
Her eye seems OK but upper lid is swollen.

Should I do anything?? Not sure what or how to treat.....

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Rinse it with sterile saline wash for eyes, perhaps dress with Terramycin ophthalmic (eye) ointment which you can buy at the feedstore. Ask the clerks as it's a small tube and often kept behind the counter.

 

[princess araucana]

Thanks, I will try that.

It has gotten more swollen, but I do not see an actual puncture wound or anything.... just puffy upper lid area.

Any advice for the pecking order? It has been 2 weeks.....

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
On the pecking order, they need more space if they're really beating each other up.

 

[princess araucana]

I did let them free range today and that seemed to help.

I have 6 chickens in a 6 x 8 coop with a 8 x 10 run..... Doesn't that seem like enough space?

Maybe for the next couple weeks I will let them free range more to help with the adjustment period?

I would like a few more but now I am worried for them! We are also building a larger run.

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
It's enough living space. My boyfriend and I were talking today about "personal space" for chickens. It seems they can have enough living space, but need more personal space. If they have continuous pecking order issues like this after the 2 week "honeymoon period" is over, then play it by ear - they will do better with more space. You'll be pulling your hair out a little less.

The larger run will probably help. Some birds just don't defend themselves. That seems to encourage the ones that like to exert their authority - so you have to factor in personalities of your chickens into the mix.

Incidentally, when you buy more, be sure to quarantine the new ones for 30 days to take into account the 21 day incubation period of some diseases.