Thanx TPeers that gives me hope! I just dont understand this pecking order thing?! If a dog is aggressive, once its victim turns belly up in submission the bully usually struts off proud of its achievment.
How come chickens dont respect this rule?! Poor Dodo has never tried to be anything other than very bottom of the pecking order - but Speckle just wont give her a break.
I am going to brave it and open the flap to join the runs up tomorrow I can be home all day to supervise - or watch in horror!!
I havent managed to get any cider vinegar yet, but last time when I couldnt catch them to stop Sp I threw a half cup of cold coffee over her!! (yes I was sitting in their run drinking coffee as I was too scared to leave them alone and no I didnt get that 'advice' from anyone!) That was my last ditch desperate attempt to get them to stand still long enough for me to grab Sp! It worked - she was so shocked - it was decaf so the next hour she spent preening probably didnt do her any harm! Oh by the way I have 3 feeders and 3 water things - one per chicken!! Strange thing is Sp doesnt stop Dodo feeding or drinking - she attacks every time Dodo looks at her?! Thanx for your advice and sympathy, glad Kiev is settled now - love the name by the way!! Hedgie