peepie Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 My girls had been very naughty towards the end of last year and one poor thing was nearly bald so I bumper bitted them all. One then died and we then introduced 2 new hens so I left the bumpers on the old hens. One fell off which I didn't replace as there seemed to be no problems but this last week the one with the bit left on has been very quiet and not eating much unless I held it out for her. I've just had a good look at her now and discovered that her beak has grown very long at the top and curved round so she couldn't shut her mouth properly. I just pulled the bumper bit out and she ran to the glug for a drink. I feel really awful that this has happened. She seems to be able to close her beak OK now without the bit. Do you think I should take her to the vet and get it filed down or something or should I leave her a while and see it if wears down naturally. I don't want it clipping like they do to battery hens. Thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 It should wear down naturally, especially if she is free ranging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 I discovered one of mine had this, so we followed Redwing's advice and gingerly clipped it back. We could see that the bit we clipped was transparent so we were fairly sure we didn't hit the quick. Then I came on here and read how copiously beaks can bleed!! I probably wouldn't have done it if I'd read that before. But it has worked. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peepie Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 Might try just clipping the very end this evening when hubby gets in. It's fairly obvious the bit that is really overgrown. If I take even some of it off it must help then she might be able to wear it back down herself a bit quicker. I feel so awful that this has happened. I've never known a bumper to last this long. I think it has stayed put since last October. Thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 We used a nail clipper BUT go VERY carefully.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peepie Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 Hubby just got home so I've clipped the hanging over bit off with toe nail clippers and filed it smooth with one of his files from the shed. She was good as gold. It's still longer than it normally is but looks a more normal shape and it seems to shut in line. Rather cut less of than make it bleed I think. Maybe now she will start eating again tomorrow and then it will wear down to normal. Thanks for the advice. Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
