New Cock getting bullied by his gals

Matt Care

Anyone had this one before and sorted it with any success?

New cockerel Sussex Ponte (17 weeks or so) has not been well accepted by small gang of 5 hens who arrived only 2 weeks earlier (now 24 weeks but not laying yet). They don't really do him any damage but have a gentle pop every time he goes by and exclude him from all their activities. He is not thriving, not even eating much and spends days a picture of misery except for occasional 'sunny spells' where he strides about pecking at ground etc. We have separated him this morning to give him some peace, and he has his own food, water and peace and quiet. He just gives the impression he needs a couple of weeks to recover and get his act together.

Anyone any other suggestions?
Matt

bertie1

Give him his own space butmake sure they can see him, they will eventually sort it out

Matt Care

Thanks for that, Bertie

In the intervening days things moved on (as they do). 'William' started to look really poorly and gave up trying to defend himself, so we rescued him from hen-peck hell and isolated him. He then revealed that he had a chest infection (rattly chest and a small amount of nasal discharge). We thought he was a gonner, but after 4-5 days of refusing food and , seemingly, not drinking either, he suddenly woke up Tuesday morning like a whole new bird! His appetite was back with a vengeance, he was strutting about showing an interest in everything. He's still separated from his girls but this afternoon he was striding up and down their fence, I swear he's asking to be let back in, so we're going to try that tomorrow in a controlled way.

Cheers
Matt

Cussypat1974

what a lovely ending to the story!:D

Matt Care

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cuigcead/7284909774/http://www.flickr.com/photos/cuigcead/7284900190/http://www.flickr.com/photos/cuigcead/7284900190/

Coriolanus

That first pic, he certainly looks like he means business!