Single hen

[Trudie]

Hi

 

I have posted before about a bullying chicken. I have made their run alot larger and put in lots of interesting bits and yet its still happening.. I have also put on anti pecking spray. Fo's feathers were just growing back and have all been pulled out again and she now has a bare chest. I have just fitted a nose ring and trudie is going beserk although when I gave her some food she did eat. Feeling a bit worried about Trudie now as she appears uncomfortable does anybody have any other ideas.

 

Thanks

[Egluntyne]

Leave it on her and don't waver, as long as you are sure it is fitted correctly. She will get used to it in time.

[Trudie]

Thank you for replying I nearly gave, in she has calmed down now and just shaking her head occasionally. I have been reading other posts about beak rings and bumper bits someone suggests beak rings are for young birds. Should I get her a bumper bit instead of the ring I put on. Has anyone been successful with beak rings. As you can tell I am a bit concerned about the whole thing and don't like to think of my girls being unhappy.

 

Thanks

[Egluntyne]

I'd leave it on for now. If you need to, at a later date, you could apply a bumper bit instead.

 

Some alternate them so that the beak wears down in different ways. If you stick with the same thing, they can lose their efficacy.

[LJ's Chooks]

ooooh Egluntine... maybe that would help us...??? We've had bumper bits on for a year now and they have worked for so long, but apparently not now....?

 

do the rings come in different sizes and where can you get them from... i usually get my bumper bits from Wernlas???? Do they fit in the same place...

 

I dont know what else to do now?

[Egluntyne]

**Ta Da!**

[LJ's Chooks]

thanks Egluntine.... forgive me for another question though.... but how does it stop canibalism.... I thought that they cause the damage with the sharp bit of their beak, hence the bumper bit working like the rubber on a bumper car.... how does the ring stop that?????

 

sorry, im having a dim day today

[Trudie]

I have just fitted the beak ring it keeps the hens beak open so they can't actually take a chunk out... my hen has got used to it now and she seems to be feeding and pecking up bits she just got nip at things.

[quickcluck]

was it a 2 man job trudie? I have some here, but also have bits coming from wernlas...... Is it easier to do it after they've gone to bed?

 

I'm not sure whether to go ahead and fit the beak ring or wait for the bumper bits, I sent off for them yesterday

[Trudie]

Yes it was a two man job, I held her under my arm and held her head with my other hand, covered her eyes and my oh quickly put it we were very impressed with ourselves, it looks uncomfortable but she really is fine now ...no head shaking.

[quickcluck]

Well the bit is on the offending plucker!!!! We did it last night as she's more docile then wrapped her in a towel and bingo! It was a bit of a struggle as it's an extremely tight fit. I am hoping here nostrils are ok, as one was looking a bit squashed We felf terrible doing it...

[Trudie]

I agree they are rather tight but I did keep checking her and re -adjusted accordingly.

It seems to be working form me Flo's has already got a few quills coming through, however she still looks like a battery hen bless her!

[quickcluck]

how long does it take for feathers to return? I so want a chook with feathers on

[Trudie]

Hi,

 

Give it two weeks and they start to look like hedgehogs - all spiky and then there feathers start to come.

[quickcluck]

Thanks, I'll keep my eyes peeled!