Finding a new home for my hen

[Sue]

Please could I get some advice on the best way to find a new home for one of my hens. It looks as though I'm not going to be successful in getting my six girls all together. The one that was bullying my Buff Sussex is still picking on her! I've spent a lot of time watching over them in the hope that I could stop her doing it, but as soon as I turn my back, she's at it again!! Anti pecking spray doesn't work, in fact I don't think anything will work, because it seems it is just a habit now and nothing will stop it. I want to make sure she goes to a good home though as she is actually quite a character and I don't expect she would be a problem with any other hens. She's easy to handle, so would probably make a really good pet for a child. I'm quite fond of her, but it just isn't working out, I can't waste any more time standing around in the chicken run! I want to make sure she goes to a good home where she will be well looked after and loved, but don't know where to start!

 

[foxy]

Hello Sue, maybe popping your location in the title or your profie may help in rehoming your hen? 17

Another very effective deterrent to feather pecking is using beak bits, available from the Domestic Fowl Trust.

 

[Chuck]

In the meantime you could, and should I think, take the bully out to give the other one some peace. Or you could re-home the bully if you prefer to keep the Sussex.

As Foxy says, you need to make your location known.

 

[Sue]

It is the bully that I want to re home. Sorry, I didn't really make that clear. She is a Silver Laced Wyandotte and is about 22 weeks, fully vaccinated, wormed and treated for lice, mites etc. I live near Exeter in Devon.

I do separate the bully into a large dog cage when I have to leave them for any length of time, but this is not ideal as she is laying and is also a very active hen. I can only do this for the very short term.

I do know about the beak bits, but everyone I speak to says they don't like them and wouldn't use them. Not having had experience of them myself I don't know what to do. Has anyone on the forum used them?

 

[dorinda]

It is the bully that I want to re home. Sorry, I didn't really make that clear. She is a Silver Laced Wyandotte and is about 22 weeks, fully vaccinated, wormed and treated for lice, mites etc. I live near Exeter in Devon.

I do separate the bully into a large dog cage when I have to leave them for any length of time, but this is not ideal as she is laying and is also a very active hen. I can only do this for the very short term.

I do know about the beak bits, but everyone I speak to says they don't like them and wouldn't use them. Not having had experience of them myself I don't know what to do. Has anyone on the forum used them?

I've used them to stop feather pecking - I didn't like the idea of them either - but they do work - she could still bully - but not injure

 

[victorias poultry]

Hi Sue
I hope you find a good home for your little bully soon, so peace is restored to your flock.

 

[Chuck]

Try advertising her in For Sale and Wanted on the Forum. She sounds like a good bird that someone would want even if she is a cow and a half ! I'd take her off you myself if we were closer.

I've used the bits on pheasants but not chickens. They are effective at preventing feather pecking but I'm not so sure they would solve your problem. They don't have to be permanent and they can be removed if circumstances change.