Bantam boy Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Having brought two bantams from the Wernlas Collection we were really happy that they developed their own personality. One friendly and easy to catch (Carla), while the other slightly more skitish and authoritarian (Simone). On returning from work one day I was alarmed to find Carla was semi plucked and bleeding. After two or three minutes it was obvious Simone was the culprit. The red beak and squeals from Carla being the clues. That evening Carla was brought into the house. A hasty coupe was built the following day and bantams kept apart until recovery was made. The great day of reintroduction came. Only for Carla to be plucked naked again. A period apart, introduction of hanging veg and anti peck spray and again the ritual plucking. What made it all the worse was Carla laying eggs daily and Simone one every full moon. Carla nice and friendly while Simone was growing into a nightmare. In desperation we turned to beak bits. I'm not a great supporter of this kind of thing, but we were already offering Simone to friends. We got the bits from the Wernlas collection and having seen pictures of where it needed to fitted set to catching Simone. Five minutes later with the use of a pair of circlip pliers, a cloth to wrap her in, (and the wife) she was done. I can only describe the next 24hours as bizarre. She kept s"Ooops, word censored!"ing her beak, trying to claw it off, refused to eat and basically had a real sad day. I was a little concerned, but I knew I could not take it off because Carla would suffer. 24 hours later Simone was eating gain (technique adjusted) and all is well. Both bantams back together and both laying an egg a day. Simone is unable to grab feathers, but she has not even tried. Her own personality has changed and we hope when the bit drops out she remains as she is. As a last resort would recommend. Make sure your prepared to fit them onto a struggling bird, but it is well worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 Phew you've really been through it glad you've found a solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 Welcome to the forum. Bumper bits are not something to be undertaken lightly, but sometimes, as in your case, they are the only answer to an intractable pecking problem,. The peace that reigns afterwards is wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 I agree ... I use them when necessary. I'm a dab habd at applying them now. The 'rights' of the bullied hen supersede those of the bully in my book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 Is it snowing in Sheffield again Egluntyne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
