"Special needs" hen being bullied--ideas needed for intervention

[texsuze]

Fay, a BA, is nearly 4 years old and is slowly improving from months of inability to stand or walk for periods of time (long, complicated). She has made good progress in the last few weeks but it's obvious from her posture and movements that she is still quite debilitated; she must flap her wings to gain the momentum to propel her steps forward. Fay can't yet participate in the typical foraging, dust bathing and most other physical activities of my small flock of 6 free-ranging (during the day) hens but she is determined to be close to her sisters. Before she became handicapped Fay was #4 of 6 in the pecking order.

Yesterday I discovered her comb had been pecked to bloodiness. I cleaned her comb as best I could with Vetericyn spray, then applied the Rooster Booster 'anti-peck' salve. Tonight I'll clean again and plan to apply a 3-way ointment. When undertaking barn chores 2x/day I keep constant watch on her, but I'm not at the barn the entire day. Bertha, #1 hen is the prime suspect in this bullying. Henrietta, #2 hen is another likely culprit since I've had to intervene when both of these hens have tried to peck Fay.

Dilemma: If I separate Fay from the flock she'll be unhappy, since she does have a somewhat protective BA sister who she depends on for companionship. She'll also likely have even less status when reintroduced to the flock. Fay is determined to participate in flock activities and to be in proximity to the remainder of the flock; I think it's important for her continued rehab. Bertha (age 7) and Henrietta (age 6) are otherwise good girls, as well as pets, so re-homing them because they are bullies is not an option. Most of my flock is ramping up for laying, since spring is in the air. I'm hoping the hormonal/seasonal flux is the primary reason Fay is suddenly being targeted.

Any suggestions for temporary relief for Fay, intervention, or other remedies or suggestions is appreciated.

 

[sourland]

Sadly Fay is being targeted because she is 'different' and the others sense that. It may be necessary to separate her perhaps with the BA and only allow supervised free ranging and flock interaction. The pecking order can be cruel.

 

[Byrd gal]

Can you put her some place safe when you are busy and run with the girls when you can watch her..? That really hurts the heart. A separate pen for her and her bestie is all I can think of.

 

[Folly's place]

I agree that she and her buddy should have separate digs, at least for now. If she can recover enough to be 'normal', maybe then the flock can recombine. Or not, but only then will it be worth trying. Having the two groups next to each other but physically separate would be ideal, so they aren't strangers, just safe from each other.
Chickens aren't meant to live alone, ever.
Mary

 

[Fintechie]

I guess I’d separate Fay as in reverse of introduction - they can see each other but can’t touch; I’d also feed her extra protein or whatever needed to expedite her recovery. Good luck with the poor lady!

 

[WindingRoad]

Fay, a BA, is nearly 4 years old and is slowly improving from months of inability to stand or walk for periods of time (long, complicated). She has made good progress in the last few weeks but it's obvious from her posture and movements that she is still quite debilitated; she must flap her wings to gain the momentum to propel her steps forward. Fay can't yet participate in the typical foraging, dust bathing and most other physical activities of my small flock of 6 free-ranging (during the day) hens but she is determined to be close to her sisters. Before she became handicapped Fay was #4 of 6 in the pecking order.

Yesterday I discovered her comb had been pecked to bloodiness. I cleaned her comb as best I could with Vetericyn spray, then applied the Rooster Booster 'anti-peck' salve. Tonight I'll clean again and plan to apply a 3-way ointment. When undertaking barn chores 2x/day I keep constant watch on her, but I'm not at the barn the entire day. Bertha, #1 hen is the prime suspect in this bullying. Henrietta, #2 hen is another likely culprit since I've had to intervene when both of these hens have tried to peck Fay.

Dilemma: If I separate Fay from the flock she'll be unhappy, since she does have a somewhat protective BA sister who she depends on for companionship. She'll also likely have even less status when reintroduced to the flock. Fay is determined to participate in flock activities and to be in proximity to the remainder of the flock; I think it's important for her continued rehab. Bertha (age 7) and Henrietta (age 6) are otherwise good girls, as well as pets, so re-homing them because they are bullies is not an option. Most of my flock is ramping up for laying, since spring is in the air. I'm hoping the hormonal/seasonal flux is the primary reason Fay is suddenly being targeted.

Any suggestions for temporary relief for Fay, intervention, or other remedies or suggestions is appreciated.

Google "peepers". They are like blinders you would put on a horse. Put them on the bullies. They can't see forward with them on and don't peck others. There is a You Tube video too. They seem to work for the guy in the video. He showed before and after. You can get them at TSC I believe. Good luck.

 

[theoldchick]

You can try Peepers-plastic blinders for mean chickens but I like to put special need chickens away from the flock with their one best friend. Has always worked well for me.