Strange Silkie behavior & death

[Genene]

I have 2 Silkie/Easter Egger mixes. I had 3 but 1 fell ill several days ago & by the time I realized it had fly strike it was too late. Of the remaining 2, one is broody. Every time she attempts to come out of the coop (omelet coop) the other Silkie attacks her. I’ve been putting water in a spill proof bowl in the coop as we are currently having a heat wave. They used to get along so well & be so mellow. I’m at a loss as to what to do. Help please.

 

[Debbie292d]

Awe, sorry for your loss!

Are these two both hens? Assuming so, it could be the heat causing one more irritation than the other. I don't see any of mine doing that, and it's hotter than Hayde's here the past few days. If they're both hens, it could be a jealousy thing going on too. I'd take that one and pen her up for a few days and see if that adjusts her attitude.

 

[Genene]

Awe, sorry for your loss!

Are these two both hens? Assuming so, it could be the heat causing one more irritation than the other. I don't see any of mine doing that, and it's hotter than Hayde's here the past few days. If they're both hens, it could be a jealousy thing going on too. I'd take that one and pen her up for a few days and see if that adjusts her attitude.

 

[Genene]

Yes. Both hens. I have another coop & run I could put the bully in to separate them if that might be helpful. I assume I would later try to reintroduce them? Our temps are running in the 90s & we have had lots of rain, but runs are tarped & I have fans in the runs & I put ice in their water periodically.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Did this start after you lost the third one? If so, I've experienced this firsthand. Going down to 2 birds triggered severe pecking order disputes. I personally wasn't able to resolve it, so I apologize for not being much help. You can try crating the aggressor in the run with food/water/shade so the other can move about unbothered.

Also, I personally would get your broody out of the Omlet nest box. Those things are known death traps during heatwaves.

 

[SnackMeat]

Agree on different setup if possible during heatwave.

For the aggressor you can either file down their beak a little to wear pecking is uncomfortable but they can still eat) or get pinless peepers on her.

 

[Genene]

Did this start after you lost the third one? If so, I've experienced this firsthand. Going down to 2 birds triggered severe pecking order disputes. I personally wasn't able to resolve it, so I apologize for not being much help. You can try crating the aggressor in the run with food/water/shade so the other can move about unbothered.

Also, I personally would get your broody out of the Omlet nest box. Those things are known death traps during heatwaves.

Actually it started shortly before I lost the 3rd one but before she died she was acting odd. Lethargic & barely moving. I thought it was the heat. I may just separate the remaining 2 for a period & see what happens. I’m assuming introducing a 3rd would not work. Thanks.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Actually it started shortly before I lost the 3rd one but before she died she was acting odd. Lethargic & barely moving. I thought it was the heat. I may just separate the remaining 2 for a period & see what happens. I’m assuming introducing a 3rd would not work. Thanks.

Could you add two more? Introductions would take some time, but it would prevent anyone from getting singled out. Also, I'm sorry for your loss. Fly strike is one of my biggest fears. It seems to come on so suddenly, even if you're vigilant.