Fourbecameeight Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I have had enough of the girls pulling the feathers from Oreo and Princess, I have tried three different anti-peck sprays, increased their protein and calcium but it hasn't helped. Yesterday we fitted them with bumper bits. I now feel awful, they are very subdued. I have seen them drinking but they seem to be tipping the food on the floor. Has anyone else fitted them does it really not interfere with their eating? I'm trying to be strong and think about the two girls with bald bottoms and backs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Hi there. I've used bumper bits a couple of times and found them to be OK. You have to be really careful to get them on correctly or the girls will just brush them off again. There is no problem with eating or drinking, although there may be more 'spillage' as they get used to having different shaped beaks. The girls very quickly get used to them and soon realise that using them like a mini shovel doesn't work that well! Of course, the whole idea is to make it more difficult to pluck feathers from the other girls - in this respect I had mixed results - there was certainly less feather plucking but the culprits were still able to get some, some of the time - I'm not sure how! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 It worked for me for a while but then the feather puller simply learnt to pull feathers again. The Bumper bit basically fits to the top beak - so she learnt to grab feathers between the lower beak and the bumper bit (rather than the top beak). I have now had to seperate her as she was drawing blood! (they do FR together - there is some feather pulling but not too much - but I simply can't trust her confined with other hens out of my sight) Be prepared for sulking after its fitted!! H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppers77 Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 Hi there, We have used bumper bits on 2 of our 3.Flo has had to keep hers as from the start as she has always pecked first asked later! Hyacinth didn't need her replacing. I also use orego stim ( an orgegano supplement) in their water & Layer supplement which has certainly improved things, Don't worry they sulk a bit but i always fit it after they've gone to roost - by the morning she's forgotten & gets on with life. The best bit is now Gwinnie is fully feathered after her moult & has kept them so far. She spent last year looking a fright like a naked neck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
