Solitary chicken - need advice

[CheekyPekins]

I've got 2 new hens and will want to introduce them to my 2 existing girls at some point in the near future. I've read intro advice on here and in my chicken keeping manual and have seen recommendations for Gentian Violet spray in case the newbies get pecked, but I can't find it in stock near me. Pets at Home sells Nettex Anti-Pecking Spray - is this the same thing?

 

Thanks for any advice

[chuckmum6]

No, it is different as it tastes horrid (I know from accidentally spraying myself in the face ) and deters chickens pecking feathers out, the purple spray masks the red of wound and is antiseptic, it does discourage other hens from pecking the wound.

[CheekyPekins]

Thanks chuckmum6 - does anyone know if this is the right stuff please?

 

http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/total-poultry-solutions-septi-clense-spray-with-violet-200ml

 

Thanks

[gavclojak]

I don't think 'purple spray' is actually purple, I brought some thinking the same as one if my girls was getting pecked but when I got home its a clear liquid that has camomile and lavender, it's a natural anti bacteria spray...smells wonderful, there is a spray out there that does indeed mask the red of pecking bhttp://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/chicken_keeping/anti-pecks_and_healing/9219/battles_gentian_violet_spray_-_240ml/ut

Hope this helps x

[chuckmum6]

Oh, my purple spray is defiantly purple, I needed to spray my Light Sussex with it a few years ago and her white feathers were purple for months. She became known as Violet for the duration of her humiliation!!!

I have Lincoln Purple Spray - 250ml £4.25 from Omlet and Bio link anti peck, I gave up on nettex as it is the spawn of satan, it works but stains everything in a half mile radius - beware!

[Purplemaniacs]

Mine is definitely purple too.

 

I have had a number of purple chickens over the years

 

Chrissie

[gavclojak]

ah that's weird, i brought Barrier Purple Spray from omlet and it is defiantly not purple....but smells amazing:))

[The Dogmother]

Thanks chuckmum6 - does anyone know if this is the right stuff please?

 

http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/total-poultry-solutions-septi-clense-spray-with-violet-200ml

 

Thanks

 

Yes, that's their purple spray, I have it at home - the nozzle is fine so it's more easily directed and you're less likely to end up purple yourself! As the others have said, it's an antiseptic (we use it on the farm at work to treat the lambs umbilical cords) but won't deter peckers; you'd need their anti-pecking spray for that (see below).

 

[CheekyPekins]

Thanks all

 

I think I've reached the conclusion that I need both sprays, to be on the safe side...

[jimnpaula]

I would also recommend full sleeve overalls and disposable gloves - and remember to stand upwind during application or you might get interesting 'freckles'

Edited August 14, 2013 by Guest

[CheekyPekins]

Ahem... my plan was to get my hubby to do any purple spray

[coco]

I use both, I can strongly recommend holding your chicken at arms length if possible when use anti pecking spray. Purple spray is great stuff, I've had purple dogs before now.

[daxigirl]

I always end up with far more of purple and peck stuff on me than the chickens, they always seem to manage a swerve manouver at the last second. I think the anti peck stuff smells a bit bacony but that could just be my nose. Watch out for the anti-peck bottle and keep it upright, the last couple I've bought let it leak out all over the place.

 

Give the purple stuff a test spray before you get a chook in your arms (you know what speed/spray shape it comes out like then).

[The Dogmother]

I would also advise gloving up at the very least; purple spray is very hard to get off any exposed skin/clothing.

 

Do be careful to observe the dosing instructions on the Anti-peck bottle.