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[Eggasperated]

How did Carol manage to remove her bumper bit? She's only had it on a week and it was fitted by the vet, the other two hens haven't got theirs off but I found Carols on the floor of the pen just now.

[Carol U]

You're lucky it lasted a week. I put one on Myrtle just before Christmas. The first time it lasted about 30 seconds and the second she lost it within about five minutes in the garden. She found that if she got her claw into the loop bit and pulled hard enough, it would give in the end. I think that once they find how to get them off, there's not much point in persevering. Now is the time for 'Plan B'!

[Shiney Chez]

I am having problems with a bullied chicken and am considering bumper bits. Will vets fit and supply them?

[Saronne]

You can buy them from the Domestic Fowl Trust website http://www.domesticfowltrust.co.uk.

They charge about 1.00 for 8.

 

They're not too difficult to fit, but it can be a two person job (one to hold hen, one to fit bit). I think someone on the forum has info on some sort of gadget that enables you to do it more easily on your own.

 

 

Saronne x

[debbier]

I think someone on the forum has info on some sort of gadget that enables you to do it more easily on your own.

 

Was it circlip pliers? I'd imagine they might make it easier to fit the bumper bit, but I'd still want someone else to keep the chicken's head still!

[Saronne]

Yup, that's the one.

 

 

Saronne x

[Cranfield Kate]

we got a pair of circlip pliers and it made it much easier but it's still a two person job. totally worth it though - it meant Atilla the Hen couldn't draw blood on the others and everyone setled down much quicker.

[Saronne]

Depends on the chicken and how used to being held she is (and how confident you are at putting on bumper bits!). I managed to do two of my 'culprits' on my own today - but they're fairly laid back hens compared to some.

 

 

Saronne x

[Eggasperated]

Well the vet fitted it again yesterday and it was still there last time I looked. Luckily our vet is very good and didn't charge for doing it, he also used some sort of pliers; unfortunately we couldn't manage to fit them at all and after three goes gave up as everyone was getting very distressed (especially me).

I'll just keep a close eye on Carol and see how she gets on.

[Saronne]

Sounds like you've got a very good vet. Best of luck with Carol!

 

 

Saronne xx

[Leicester_H]

Snowy kindly came around to help me fit one to Boo.

She recommended holding her in an old towel to stop her flapping/wriggling - this worked very well.

H