- Feb 21, 2014
- 2
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Hi everyone,
I'm really at a loss and could use some help. We have 6 RIR and have had them for 2 years. Because this winter has been so brutal one of them developed frost bite on her foot and could barely walk. I debrided and separated her and after a week and 1/2 she was better. Still limping but could walk. I put her back into the run with the others and everything seemed okay but after a couple days I was in the run and noticed she was alone alot and everytime she would get near one of the others they would peck at her head until she ran away. Poor thing runs with a limp. So I have been separating who I believe to be the bullies but yesterday and today I noticed others picking on her too. Actually noticed two picking on each other and one drew blood from the other's comb (not injured one). I blu-koted. I've tried distracting with treats, straw, new food and have 2 of them in a cage in the garage to just cool everyone off.
I thought I should leave the weaker one so she could be in with her sisters. (she was losing a ton of feathers being caged up, I believe from stress). But now I'm wondering if I should just pull her back out but afraid if I do so and try to re-introduce her again they will just keep picking on her. I'm not sure what is going on as I've never had this problem before. They have fresh water and food daily.
What do you all suggest?? I'm really upset as I don't want to see her get hurt especially after I nursed her back to health. I am wondering if she was the leader and the whole pecking order is ruined. Or ARE they picking on her because she is limping and showing signs of weakness?
Thanks for any help/advice you can give me.
Nicole
I'm really at a loss and could use some help. We have 6 RIR and have had them for 2 years. Because this winter has been so brutal one of them developed frost bite on her foot and could barely walk. I debrided and separated her and after a week and 1/2 she was better. Still limping but could walk. I put her back into the run with the others and everything seemed okay but after a couple days I was in the run and noticed she was alone alot and everytime she would get near one of the others they would peck at her head until she ran away. Poor thing runs with a limp. So I have been separating who I believe to be the bullies but yesterday and today I noticed others picking on her too. Actually noticed two picking on each other and one drew blood from the other's comb (not injured one). I blu-koted. I've tried distracting with treats, straw, new food and have 2 of them in a cage in the garage to just cool everyone off.
I thought I should leave the weaker one so she could be in with her sisters. (she was losing a ton of feathers being caged up, I believe from stress). But now I'm wondering if I should just pull her back out but afraid if I do so and try to re-introduce her again they will just keep picking on her. I'm not sure what is going on as I've never had this problem before. They have fresh water and food daily.
What do you all suggest?? I'm really upset as I don't want to see her get hurt especially after I nursed her back to health. I am wondering if she was the leader and the whole pecking order is ruined. Or ARE they picking on her because she is limping and showing signs of weakness?
Thanks for any help/advice you can give me.
Nicole