chocolatedog Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 Hi - long time since I’ve posted here! I have a problem - a few days ago I found my White Sussex girlie covered in blood and wounds on her comb so I brought her in and kept her away from the others until she’d healed up. I need to put her back out with the others but the problem is that the anti pecking spray says do not spray on feathers or head 🤔How can I then stop the other chicken from pecking at her? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 I don't think the anti-peck spray would work anyway? If she has been isolated they may well attack her as an intruder, with or without spray on her? The head isn't sprayed because of the danger of it getting into her eyes, but why it isn't sprayed on the feathers I don't know because where do you spray it then? We've never had much success with anti-pecking sprays. We found that the victim needs to have it re-applied daily or it doesn't work and then the poor girl can't preen herself because of the terrible taste. I suggest you look at beak bits for the others, particularly the one who attacked her. If you don't know who that is you will have to introduce her and watch carefully, being ready to take her out again immediately. How much space have they got, because too little will quickly lead to aggressive behaviour? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatedog Posted December 16 Author Share Posted December 16 Update - I tried fitting a 30mm bumper bit but her beak couldn’t close so how on earth can they eat? I don’t understand . So my white girlie is still in the conservatory as I don’t know what to do now. 🤷🏻♀️ Or maybe my bluebelle has a long beak? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted Tuesday at 07:32 AM Share Posted Tuesday at 07:32 AM They scoop the pellets up with their tongue, so the beak not closing completely isn't a problem. What is a problem is if the bit extends too far in front because it stops them getting into the feed properly and puts a lot of strain on the nasal vents causing unnecessary damage. You are aiming for just a few millimetres (1-3), not more. We've found little use for the 30mm bits as they are usually too long. We have used a lot of 25mm though. The idea is to leave it in for a few weeks and see if it breaks the pecking habit. We have found that it can take a lot longer than that and in one case the bit was permanent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatedog Posted Tuesday at 08:58 AM Author Share Posted Tuesday at 08:58 AM It didn’t extend even 1 mm beyond the end of her beak 😟 Or maybe I put it on wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
