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

[fujcube]

Hi everyone,

 

Just been out to tend to my girls and noticed some fresh blood all over their wood chips. After a quick inspection, I noticed that 'Megg', or Cream Legbar, was bleeding from where a feather had obviously been cut through.

 

Megg is a rather timid wee beastie at the best of times and I don't really think she is capable of standing up for herself against the bigger girls!

 

I really don't want to isolate her from the rest of the gang but would consider it as the last resort. After a quick trawl of the web, I'm going to arm myself with Gentian Violet Spray, Veterinary Wound Powder and either some Bumper Bits or Beak Rings.

 

Hopefully, the bullying will resolve itself over time but I'd very much appreciate all your advice and suggestions. I would hate to think that the bullying will delay the arrival of our first blue egg.

 

Regards, fujcube

[xScrunchee]

I have voted for bumper bits as I found that they can still stab with the anti peck rings

[Lydia]

Shame there's not an option for neither.

[Patricia W]

There are alternatives to bumpa bits which most use as a last resort.

 

If you can identify the bully you could try isolating her for a few days. She would go down the pecking order and the problem may be resolved.

 

Others arm themselves with water pistols and use that to deter the bully. I'm sure you'll get other ideas.

 

 

Tricia

[fujcube]

Hi all,

 

Well, the bullying by Amber, our Rhode Island Red, took a turn for the worse over the holidays. The attacks on Megg, our Cream Legbar were extremely brutal and something had to be done, quickly!

 

Although I wasn't that keen, I fitted her with a Bumper Bit. She didn't take kindly to my actions and tried everything in the book to get it off. Thankfully, after a few days, she settled down and has been as good as gold since.

 

We now have harmony in the coup and the others have certainly gained in confidence and character. Megg's tail feathers are regrowing nicely and in the way of a thank you, she has started laying beautiful Sky Blue eggs.

 

 

 

 

Regards

[foreveryoung]

There are alternatives to bumpa bits which most use as a last resort.

 

If you can identify the bully you could try isolating her for a few days. She would go down the pecking order and the problem may be resolved.

 

Others arm themselves with water pistols and use that to deter the bully. I'm sure you'll get other ideas.

 

 

Tricia

 

 

we tried both and had very little luck, so ive brought some little jackets to see if they heop.....

[Ophelia]

I had a bullying problem too and had to resort to bumper bits. I felt terrible when I put it on Chewbacca the bully especially as she kicked up a fuss trying to get it off. She got used to it quickly and it was lovely to see the other girls feathers growing back. Then Dorothy started pulling feathers so I put a bumper bit straight on her. I am sure that Chewbacca then gave Dorothy lessons in how to adapt to the bumper bit. She ran straight over to her and then they spent the afternoon walking around the garden just the two of them.