[DJMattingley]

Hi KC

I have now successfully integrated Beatrice to the two new chicks Lady White and Pickles, the three get along swimmingly which is great  .  I have separated the bully Jemima into a separate run which I bought today, shes was originally in there with Beatrice, but Beatrice was taking some pecking also so after a while I introduced her to Lady White and Pickles again, which I am glad I did.  about 45 minutes before bed time I let Jemima in with the other three and all was well at first, she put them all in order to show who is boss and  was calm for a while and then she went on one of her rages for pecking at the three like mad, I sat in with the them to try and break up the party they all sheltered on me or behind me while Jemima bossed her way around.

Its very strange as when she is in the run on her own after a while she realises she is alone and she does not want to be on her own but when with the others she is very rough, I expected this but perhaps wasnt ready for the extent I have seen it.  I have used the anti pecking spray which to a degree is working, feathers are very rarely being plucked and eaten now, which helps with retaining their lovely feathers and colours.  The only thing I dont like is Lady White (who is obviously white) now looks a horrible brown colour, however if this helps long term and is for the greater good I can accept this.  I am now left wondering how long she will look like this for, when Jemima does calm down will I need to wash her to get rid of this?

The manual pecking of Jemima seems to work also, she doesnt like this one bit.

I am assuming as she is more mature she will take longer to adjust and be happy with the pecking order, I am aware this will continue as although Beatrice is now happy to be with Lady White and Pickles she does dominate them when he wants to eat their food and get in their sand baths etc.

I am trying to prolong the bits, I would rather not use those if necessary...

Thank you for your help. I will keep you posted with how its going.

[OpiumEater]

This is Bernadette with her jacket on. It's not a brilliant photo as she's having a dustbath so can't bother her too much 

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/OpiumEater/b34e3240.jpg

This is the web link for the pattern I used.
http://backtobasicliving.com/blog/make-a-chicken-saddle/

Worked a treat, but it made for a wide jacket and I'd probably make a thinner one next time for a Barnevelder size bird.

Alice now has her bit in, and I feel terrible, but when I look at poor Bernadette it stiffens my resolve.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/OpiumEater/bd441f8d.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/OpiumEater/e1361e4a.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/OpiumEater/41c7bd7a.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/OpiumEater/ad5605f9.jpg

[OpiumEater]

[kensington chicks]

Thanks for the pics OpiumEaster they are great 

I tried to make a jacket from Little Hen Rescue site and OMG what a to do.  Mable will not have it on.  I think the one you made is better as it is a saddle, not a full jumper.

The bit looks OK, if it stops the pecking then it will be worth it.   I am going to order some today, after my jumper disaster.

I have sprayed her again, and there are some feathers growing back, so if I can stop Lily pulling them out then that will be great.

Will let you know also, but I don't know how to put photo's on.  I am a complete technophone.  Give me chickens any day!

Thanks again KC

[kensington chicks]

DJ,

I think trying to keep a white chicken white in winter is impossible.  Give up now

Glad things are going a little better.  I am just keeping on spraying Mable, keeping Lily away for short periods of time to give her a break, and I am going to try the 'bit' rings.

Keep us posted. KC

[OpiumEater]

I got bits from the domestic fowl site, the bumpers on the Omlett site looked too big and bulky. It was a two person job getting in on and she was not impressed when it first went on. But soon settled and manages to eat her raspberries still

I use photo bucket for the photos, and put a link to the photo on the forum entry. When I use the right link it works a treat

Good luck x