[Sassy]

Good idea to get purple spray as it masks the red of blood which will encourage the others to attack that area.

[Juhannus]

Thanks for all the advice.  Things have changed and become more settled now.  The copper blue has now gone but it's been pretty educational watching and understanding how the whole pecking order works. The ladies are back to being happy cooing ladies again. 

I'm still pretty mad at being put into this situation in the first place but it's definitely been a lesson or 5 learnt.  I'm also glad in a way because it's reintroduced me to the message boards here.  I'm definitely going to get a couple of books and have read a few handy links now.  I have a shopping list of things to stock up on when I visit the local supply shop tomorrow 

[ANHBUC]

The breeder could well have been telling the truth about the cockerels getting on when they were settled in their home.  A new environment is likely to be what has caused the falling out and re-establishment of the pecking order.

Glad things have settled down now, you will be filling your time with reading, watching, more reading and definitely more watching.   

[Juhannus]

The general opinion at the lottie is that he knew what he was doing but didn't want to make the choice himself but hey ho.  He knows I loves the birds as they have no feathers on their legs, so all's fair etc. The copper blue spent a lovely last day alledgedly.  He escaped first thing yesterday after the proper order was restored and gorged himself on my neighbours strawberries for 10 hours+ 

I'm just grateful that they're understanding, I suspect it was made easier by the donation of strawberries I gave them the day before    It could have been so much worse.

[ANHBUC]

   That must have been his last request.   

We went out for the day and a cheeky blackbird helped itself to our ripe strawberries.   There weren't many but we were really looking forward to them.  The plants are now covered with an eglu run to prevent the little thief returning.