Interesting day today. I kept Beryl inside last night, next to the dog cage with Speccy in, so Hen was on her own for the first time over night. This morning I put Speccy in her run and left Hen in her big run, poor Beryl was pooing Brown and yellow. I guessed her ovaries had gone. I was thinking of bumping her off but my wife said no, then went to work. On my return at midday I found Beryl had died but the other two were ok. I buried, Beryl next to where Sandy was. Behaviour was pretty much the same as before, keeping them fenced off from each other all afternoon. What I did notice was Speccy was trying to get friendly with Hen but she was still aggressive.
THis evening Hen came in to the conservatory and perched on the back of my chair, a few minutes later Speccy, came in had something to eat and drink then I saw her preparing to jump up next to her
At this point I intervened and placed Speccy on the back of my chair with hen, my hand and arm separating the two. Then gently stroking and talking to Hen I think I got some acceptance. I did threaten to get another Speckledy. After that I moved Speccy to the opposite chair back and sat back in the middle. Hen then decended to the chair arm very close to me, so I reached over and put her on my lap for a very short while, talking and stroking her.
Then I guessed she was ready for bed so I carried her to the run, and within minutes she had gone to bed. I guess all that anger had worn her out, plus laying an egg this morning.
Speccy needs another hen to cuddle up to that is quite clear, so Hen has got to behave and settle down.
The benefit of all this work is I have got to handle and cuddle both my hens lots over the last few days and this is a very nice experience
Hen is always friendly to me Beryl and Sandy were very distant and flighty, which was a disappointment. Speccy is very special so worth all the effort