4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[One_Box]

I have recently fitted anti-pecking rings to two of my girls. I'm concerned that the debris build up in their beaks since fitting the rings may lead to health problems especially in the long term.

 

I have considered trying to clean their beaks with an artists paint brush but do not want to stress them unduly.

 

Does anyone have long term experience of these rings?

 

I would be grateful for any advice, many thanks.

[Groovychook]

I'm not sure about anti peck rings- Do you mean the round plastic anti peck rings or bumpa bits?

I was concerned with the amount of debris that built up in my girls bumpa bit. I soon realised that she is quite adept at keeping it clean herself! She either dips her beak into water or s"Ooops, word censored!"es it against the nearest branch or pot. This seems to keep it nice & tidy!

She's been wearing it for about 2 months now with no ill effects!

[Chooks Aloud]

I have fitted bumper bits on 3 of my girls and they've had them on a good while now, with no ill effects. Mine too keep them clean, as the previous reply. When they eventually wear away and I want to put a new one on, I clean their beaks with warm (previously boiled) water with some t-tree oil in. You could always periodically clean them like this if you were unduly concerned, I know I have in the past.

 

Karen

[Jules.]

I feel like a really bad chicken mummy now. I didn't even think about keeping the bits clean.

Buzz & Poppy had bumper bits on while we introduced Gertrude & Rosa. I just left the hens to clean their own bits, which they did, & the bits fell off after a couple of months anyway, with no need to put a new one on as they had all settled down & sorted themselves out pecking-order wise.

[One_Box]

Thank you all for your replies and advice, this has set my mind at rest

 

My girls seem to be getting used to the rings now and are eating and laying normally which is a relief. Also one of my hens Coco who was being pecked is now showing signs of new feather growth around her tail which is a result as well.

 

I got my anti-pecking rings from the Domestic Fowl Trust (8 for £1 including postage) and they are very similar to Bumper Bits. I did need to put them in hot water prior to fitting them though as they were very stiff and it made it less stressful for the hens and less of a struggle for me (with OH's help of course).

 

Once again, thanks for taking the trouble to reply