sim Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 So I just caught Iggy having a crafty peck at Flump's rear again. I keep dousing Flump in purple spray (all it does is make her curious) and tar (which puts her off for a minute). Are Bumpa Bits likely to change her behaviour, or just delay it? Also, Flump and Bramble seem to be laying at night. I've gone rushing over to them because they're all fluffy and sad-looking, then they just drop an egg where they're standing. In the evening. It's odd. Plus when Flump does that, Iggy wants to get at the everted vent that comes immediately after the egg. What's going on? It's making it tough to keep vent-pecking at bay. Because when they lay in the morning they're in the nest box, safe from prying beaks. These chooks will make me grey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 I don't think there is a lot you can do about the time they are laying apart from shutting one in the nest box to protect her when she lays. What naughty girls, I think I would try a bumpa bit on Iggy, she may not change behaviour but it'll stop damage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I had to resort to a bumpa bit with one of my original girls Ebony, it certainly reduced the damage that she could do. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sim Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 I'm so sorry, I've only just noticed these replies! I put a Bumpa Bit on Iggy today. I feel bad, especially as after I did it I viewed some forums that said it was barbaric. But I feel the amount of time she's spending alone is unfair. And because we only have the Eglu and run, I've had to keep either her or the other two in the run at night. And it's getting too cold for that I've noticed that Bramble, middle-ranked, displayed some dominant behaviour as soon as Iggy and her Bumpa returned. I do hope Bramble becomes dominant because she's a much calmer bird! Thanks for the advice, even though I only just read it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaT Posted October 17, 2012 Share Posted October 17, 2012 I wouldn't worry about other forums saying it's barbaric. They're much better than the damage that could be done! I had one on one of my girls for a few months and it didn't bother her at all but it did stop her feather pecking. It's just fallen off recently and it looks like it broken the habit Your girls will soon settle down and not even notice it's there, and hopefully no more pecking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sim Posted October 17, 2012 Author Share Posted October 17, 2012 Well, a few months ago I had taken Flump to the vets, dripping with blood. She was really ill and it cost me a lot of money! I'm trying to think, cruel or not, I'm having to also think of myself and my finances here. Let's hope it changes her behaviour. Many thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
