Chooks Aloud Posted May 8, 2007 Share Posted May 8, 2007 Having problems at the moment with pecking/eating feathers. Undecided as to what to try first - the anti-peck ring looks easier to fit so thought this might be the best option. Also have gone on the sites (Fowl Trust etc) that people have recommended to get the bumper bit but can only see the anti-peck ring. Why is this not listed. Shall I just order the anti-peck ring or has anyone got a spare bumper bit that I can try? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted May 8, 2007 Share Posted May 8, 2007 I've used a bumper bit on Charlie, got it from Wernlas. The domestic fowl trust are supposed to have them so perhaps a call BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted May 8, 2007 Share Posted May 8, 2007 I have just ordered some rings. The advise threads rather out of date and I couldnt work out what else they were talking about and couldnt find anything different for sale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tara Posted May 9, 2007 Share Posted May 9, 2007 Im having the same trouble they are pecking each other.I have 3 and 2 of them have bald patches at the tail end.There eating each others feathers.I tryed the nose ring but it was still happening so can any one give me some advice as what to try couyld it be because there bored. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chooks Aloud Posted May 9, 2007 Author Share Posted May 9, 2007 Well, I've just rang the SPR Centre and asked about the above and they told me that they do not keep these in stock and that they have been banned. Please can anyone tell me where I can get them from. I have put the offending chook in a pen all on her own, but I do not want to do this for very long. I do not know why this has started, they are very friendly chooks and get on well together and have plenty to do during the day. She obviously has got a taste for feathers though and is finding it amusing!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted May 9, 2007 Share Posted May 9, 2007 (edited) I'm not sure which items are banned, but I don't think it's bumper bits. They are safe, easy to use, patently don't hurt the chicken, and are very effective. The troublesome chickens at Wernlas all wear them quite happily. If you get in touch with Wernlas http://www.wernlas.com/ I am sure they will send you some bumper bits if you enclose an SAE and some stamps: at least, this is what they used to do, but it is best to check with them first. The bits only cost 10p each, and they can stay on the chicken for ever if necessary. My two pecked hens have beautiful new feathers and fluff growing on them, and I like my naughty Pepperpot very much again. I got to the point where I felt like smacking her, and that's when I found the courage to fit her with a bit. It was all much easier than I expected, and it is comforting to know that when my two new young chickens arrive next week I won't have to worry about them. It's not fair on your pecked chickens if you don't take action. Imagine being shut up with someone who constantly kept pulling your hair out. Here's a picture of my Pepperpot ten minutes after having her bumper bit fitted, and a close-up of the bit so you can see how it works. The bit is the wavy bit, and that goes inside the chicken's beak so it can't put her vicious points together and pull; and of course she isn't able to stab either. It doesn't seem to affect eating in the slightest, and even with a bit on Alma is still first in the pecking order and first to swoop on food. Edited May 9, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted May 9, 2007 Share Posted May 9, 2007 Which would you say was better the bumper bit or the rings. I've got the ring so will go with that for now but it would be good to know. I know hat you mean about the smacking feeling. I swear at my horrble girl lots. I'm sure I'll love her again soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted May 9, 2007 Share Posted May 9, 2007 (edited) I have never tried a ring; I can only vouch for the bumper bit, which goes on easily, appears to stay on permanently, and is 100% effective. I do suspect that the bits may be better than the rings, however, as professionals seem to use them. I felt it was cruel and I was scared to do it; but when I saw Alma (who was out in the garden with plenty to do and thoroughly spoilt) go over and pull out huge lumps of fluff from my other two while they were sunbathing with their legs in the air in the dustbath, I decided enough was enough. I would never hesitate now to fit the others with a bit if they needed one. Putting on the first one is a rite de passage of a chicken-keeper! Edited May 9, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 9, 2007 Share Posted May 9, 2007 I think that Lesley has used the rings to good effect. The bit looks more 'the business' though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted May 9, 2007 Share Posted May 9, 2007 Yes Gallina I also had enough of Charlie's behaviour and I do love her I felt awful but found if I put her on her side for the bit to be fitted by Mikey she was calm and it was easy. Rings I am not sure about and wernlas recommended the bit so I guess they are the best They told me they were originally developed for pheasant breeding, BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted May 9, 2007 Share Posted May 9, 2007 I had to fit Prada with a peck ring on Saturday as she wont leave Gucci alone. I got CTB to hold her (after dark) while I opened her beak and quickly slid it in - once it was in her beak it was quite easy getting the ends into her nostrils. (couple of glasses of wine for me afterwards !!) She hasnt had a problem with it - can eat and drink normally she just cant grab at Guccis feathers any more. I felt guilty for putting it on her at first but it's been the right decision and Gucci is at last starting to grow her feathers back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tara Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 (edited) l rang the lady at wernlas.She said that the nose rings were more for chicks so ive gone for the bumper bits. She was very good im glad l rung her. Edited May 11, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 I found the same Tara, really friendly Lady. I put a BB on Babs as she was pecking Laverne. She wore it for a few months but it came off. Solved the problem though! Incidently, out local Farmer breeds pheasants and he uses the BB a lot as they are vicious things! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveryoung Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 hi i used the ring and found it good at stopping the pecking! thats untill the beak grew around it and/or fell apart from weear and tear! mine dont seem to have the ends of their fethers! only one has more then the others but has lost the ends of her fethers but further back! hope this makes sence! im not sure which one is pecking! maybe i should put one on all 5 of them???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley-Jean Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Which would you say was better the bumper bit or the rings. I've got the ring so will go with that for now but it would be good to know.I know hat you mean about the smacking feeling. I swear at my horrble girl lots. I'm sure I'll love her again soon. My pepper pot Hattie has had to wear an anti-peck ring for about 6 months now. I have to change it about once a month as it wears through. They are quite effective at stopping feather pulling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 As I understand it, the bumper bit doesn't stop the hen from eating or drinking but what about preening? I only ask this because, being a newbie I have been watching my girls running their feathers through their beaks and wondered if the bumper bit prevents them from doing this? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveryoung Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 Ive looked for their email but their website seems of little use! i will have to wait till tuseday to ask about the bumper bits! joys of bank hol mondays! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
