2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Ophelia]

I just fitted my big bully hen with a bumper bit. I felt so mean. She is not happy but if she wants to pull feathers out of my other girls then she has to wear the bit.

 

I was watching her from the window just getting on with things but as soon as I went out in the garden she started carrying on about the bit.

 

I hope this puts an end to her bully behaviour.

[Olly]

Stick it out, it does feel mean but it probably isn't as uncomfortable for her, as for the other hen(s) having feathers pulled all the time! I bet that in a few hours she'll have forgotten she's wearing it.

[dippy bird]

I agree with Olly,we had to put one on Elsie - I felt awful, but after a little while she forgot it was even there. We have taken it off her now (she had it on for a good few weeks),and she is as good as gold and doesn't attack any of the other birds.

[Egluntyne]

Stick to your guns. She will soon get used to it. I take the view that the 'rights' of the flock as a whole over ride the 'rights' of an individual hen, and feel that there is a definite argument in favour of using bumper bits when other methods have proved unsuccessful.

[Ophelia]

I did try anti pecking spray but that didn't stop her. Ialso tried giving her a poke when I saw her peck another hen but that didn't work either. She has grown all her feathers back and looks good so why should the other two still have bald patches and cuts due to her? Every time I go out to see them she reminds me about the bit but it's tough love and I'll see it through.

[Laura & CTB]

It does seem harsh at the time but will be worth it eventually. She will forget about it and I found that over time will forget about the feather pulling too.

[debbier]

I might need to resort to it with one of mine, soon

 

The newbie intro is going well, but one of the established chooks is still creeping up behind the others (including the other, older hen) and pecking their bums. It must hurt as they let out an almighty squawk. She's not so vicious with the older hen, but I've still seen her do it, which surprised me a bit. They are all still well feathered, but I'm a bit worried, so am monitoring it closely.

 

I'm in agreement with the comment that the welfare of the whole flock is the prime consideration.