Poor little Amber - not only pecked and bullied by the old hens but forced to stay out in the rain as well. I took a big umbrella down and put some food under it so she did have some shelter when the rain really kicked in. She's a good flyer and has escaped the bullies by sitting on the hen house at this point. I left the door to the coup half open in the evening and in the morning the old girls had gone out in the run and left the newbies in peace and I'm pleased to report that apart from a bald patch Amber was looking considerably better than this. The two pairs of hens avoided each other all day today (Sunday) which is an improvement - and Chestnut ventured outside.
Poor little Amber she is getting the worst of it....she is an unusual co.our so getting picked on a bit more for that perhaps. They will settle down soon. Can't help but laugh at you with your umbrella.......I hope the neighbours didn't see you!
@happypat Well Chestnut is very submissive and nervous so she's clearly at the bottom of the pecking order - which leaves poor sweet Amber to be bullied. She really is my favourite hen already - she lets me pick her up and enjoys being stroked - would be great with kids!
@judithg hens are so sweet.....Cathys were pottering around her garden today....they get out & doesn't do the garden any good at all but you can't be cross...they come running across to say hello.
I have heard that if you contain the pecked bird in a cage within the other hen house, the others will gradually accept her. We always feel sorry for the hen-pecked one don't we?
Oh dear, is that where pecking order comes from. Poor little hen, hope they all settle soon. Such a pretty little bird. She does look dejected in your shot
