wingit Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 Hi all, I've recently bought 3 chicks with an eglu. No problems initially. Then I noticed damage to the base of the tails of 2 of my birds. I bought a spray that is supposed to stop feather eating/pecking. (NetTex, anti feather pluck and eat). It doesn't seem to be working. I've got one bird who now has a large bald patch at the base of her tail. I've identified the plucker. She's the only one whose tail feathers are NOT plucked. It seems to be happening at night, when they're in the coop. So, I've separated the little plucker ( ) putting her in a cardboard box on her own at night. My main questions are: Can anyone recommend a spray that works? Also, am I separating the correct hen? Any other comments and suggestions are welcome. Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 I suspect it's happening first thing in the morning before being let out, if that's the case then I would make sure that you either leave the door open overnight or get up very early and open the door to let them out before they wake.. I would be surprised if it's happening at night...they do tend to settle very quickly once it's lights out. nettex is a reasonable anti peck if it's the one I am thinking of...is it foul smelling?? if it's very bad and it isn't working the only thing you can do is try bumpa bits...a little amount of pecking is to be expected but if it's bad then you will have to intervene. And make sure they have lots of hanging things and distractions.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingit Posted August 25, 2014 Author Share Posted August 25, 2014 Hi gavclojak and thanks for your prompt response. I leave the door open at this time of year. Yes, the Nettex is foul smelling and I would have assumed that would stop anything what is Bumpa bits? Well , I've isolated the pecker for the 3rd night now. Will this help? I'll start using hanging things and such. Thank you Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 Ok if the door is open then she is a sneaky little madame....that spray is usually good!! Bumpa Bits are small plastic clips that fit onto a hen's beak to prevent her from pecking her housemates. The hen can still eat and drink normally, but the clip stops the ends of the beak coming together properly to stop her from pulling at skin and feathers. Only you know if the pecking is bad enough to warrant the use of bumpa bits A hanging corn on the cob or broccoli are a great source of amusement and shiny cd's..it gives the girls something else to think about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 I'd stick a bumper bit on her soonest, before she draws blood and gets carried away. I'm not too far from you if you have trouble fitting it... There's an outlet local to me which sells them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
