2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Cats and Chickens]

Have just given up as everyone including Carmel the hen were getting stressed. Will try again after dark when she will be a bit dopey. I am just wondering if anyone has advice about how best to hold her head still without hurting or strangling her. I Sat her on my knee this afternoon but couldn't really get a firm grip of her head to hold her still to get the bumper bit on. Seemed that best thing might be to hold the beak top and bottom with each had. Advice on technique would be most welcome.

 

thanks

[Gelbel]

You do need two people. One person to hold the hen firmly (perhaps in a towel) and one to fit the bumper bit.

 

If you can get a set of EXTERNAL circlip pliers the whole process is so much easier. I got mine from Halfords. We had battled for ages and stressed ourselves and Grace out the two times we have had to bumber bit her before I went out and got some.

 

The pliers meant we fitted one in 30 seconds - from grabbing hold of the flighty madam to putting her back down.

 

I really cannot recommend them enough.

[Cats and Chickens]

thanks I had her wrapped in a towel that wasn't the difficult bit, but where do you hold onto her on her head/neck? I was really worried about hurting her. I will go get some pliers too. I had help but from a slightly panicy eight year old so will ask my mother or OH to assist this evening.

[-sarahjayne]

we just put two fingers on each side of her beak and pry it open - not forcefully though, just enough pressure- she will let you know when your hurting her!

and then just slip it into her mouth, the nose bits go in pretty much by themselves.

[Gelbel]

The holder can tuck her under one arm, restricting her head movement, and hold the head up. The person with pliers you can use the spare hand to sort of hold tight under the beak to fit.

 

I think we held her head back as it forces the mouth open.