David

[stoice]

After 3 three attempts at putting on the bumper bit on Gladys we got there. We found it difficult as she's been severely de-beaked so there wasn't much to put under her top part of the beak. We put it on about sat lunchtime and watched her for the rest of the day. Obviously not liking it but I'm sure the other girls don't like being pecked either.

 

Thing is, apart from some grapes and some dandelion leaves, she can't pick up any pellets. Tried repeatedly but couldn't. I think it's because the top part of her beak is so short that she can't do it. I waited till sunday mid-morning but she still couldn't so we took it off. Then I noticed it was safely in one nostril but clamping the skin infront of the other nostril. Do you think that is why? Maybe she was in pain? She put up such a fuss every time we tried to put it on initially, my other half doesn't want me to try again - I'm not sure I do either.

 

Gladys can't exist on grapes alone.

 

Has anyone else had a de-beaked bird successfully use a bumper bit?

 

Should I try again?

 

She's in with the other girls now, although there are squabbles, particularly over food, no blood drawn yet. I'm going to take it a day at a time.

[Egluntyne]

Then I noticed it was safely in one nostril but clamping the skin infront of the other nostril. Do you think that is why?

Probably part of it, but it does sound as if the deformed beak is part of the problem too.

 

Have you tried any of the various anti peck sprays?

[stoice]

tried the Johnson one from the pet shop, I guess next step would be that REALLY stinky stuff - Ukadex? I know the youngsters will be 'put in their place' for a while but it's Gladys' botty fascination that worries me so will spray all the girls behinds so it's not so fun.

 

I've also got a pekka block, cabbage and a corn-on-the-cob hanging around their pen to ease any boredom