- May 29, 2007
- 13
- 3
- 77
I think I've made a mistake trying to introduce 2 3 month old girls in with my other 4 hens - 2 gentle older girls and 2 feisty pullets. One of the new girls seems to be holding her own and though she gets pecked on a little she's ok. It's Hazel, the only Araucana, who is taking all the abuse.
After 2 weeks of minimal contact (and supervised) except for sleeping I left all 6 girls together for 2 hrs one morning. When I came out to put the little girls into the tractor Hazel was cowered in a corner bleeding badly from her neck. All of the skin was completely torn off. I tearfully (and with lots of guilt) brought her into the basement, dressed her wound, and started her on antibiotics. I wasn't sure she'd make it but she's doing well now. The problem is, it's been a month, and other than 'play dates' with Josephine, her little friend, either in or outside in the tractor, Hazel is still isolated from the others.
I'm thinking about getting her the 'Hen Saver' hen apron and wondering if anyone has had any experience with it. I'm very concerned that Hazel won't be able to survive back with the others and looking for hints on how to really integrate her in, or is it even possible at this point? If I have to get rid of the 2 'alpha' chickens (and the only egg layers..) I would prefer that so Hazel has a chance at life. I am giving up on mixing in new chickens after this...it's just too painful.
After 2 weeks of minimal contact (and supervised) except for sleeping I left all 6 girls together for 2 hrs one morning. When I came out to put the little girls into the tractor Hazel was cowered in a corner bleeding badly from her neck. All of the skin was completely torn off. I tearfully (and with lots of guilt) brought her into the basement, dressed her wound, and started her on antibiotics. I wasn't sure she'd make it but she's doing well now. The problem is, it's been a month, and other than 'play dates' with Josephine, her little friend, either in or outside in the tractor, Hazel is still isolated from the others.
I'm thinking about getting her the 'Hen Saver' hen apron and wondering if anyone has had any experience with it. I'm very concerned that Hazel won't be able to survive back with the others and looking for hints on how to really integrate her in, or is it even possible at this point? If I have to get rid of the 2 'alpha' chickens (and the only egg layers..) I would prefer that so Hazel has a chance at life. I am giving up on mixing in new chickens after this...it's just too painful.