Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[rosecork]

I have currently 1 feathery Hilda, 1 bald bum Hetty and 1 bare, scraggly, almost ex-batt looking Jessie due to pecking. Feathery girl is main culprit but other 2 also pecking at each other. Have tried foul anti-peck spray with no success so decided to resort to bumpa bits.

 

Had these on for 2 weeks, initially seemed to work but after few days of taking them off pecking had started again, so straight back on and have now had them on for 7 weeks.

 

This morning we took them off due to going on holiday in a few days...just this afternoon Hilda is ripping breast feathers out of Jessie!

 

I just don't know what to do as affected chicken doesn't seem to mind, she just stands there whilst being plucked raw, and pecking chicken is bottom of pile usually. They have a large run with dust bathing areas, are fed high quality organic feed, have grit available and get greens most days.

[Beantree]

One of ours had a Bumpa bit fitted permanently Rosecork. It was either that or pts. Some just get the habit and can't/ won't stop.

[rosecork]

Thank you yes I thought this is probably the only answer only problem is that after having it on so long already her beak is quite overgrown so when we tried to refit the bumpa bit last night it wouldn't go in properly? I assume she will wear her beak down again but its just a matter of waiting?

[mullethunter]

I believe you can trim the very end of the beak (I wouldn't be brave enough though and would get the vet to do it

[rosecork]

Thanks I have decided I may have to separate bullied girl instead - I will do a new post asking about this

[The Dogmother]

I can see this is related to the thread I have replied on, perhaps a mod will merge them.

 

I would re-fit the bits and leave them on; see my answer above.

[rosecork]

Thanks will have to try fitting again - feels like I'm going round in circles

[sparkysmum]

Hi I have just had a situation where my araucana cornered my pekins in the cube nesting box and pecked them until they were bald & bleeding. Luckily my hubby caught her at it and separated them immediately. They will never share even the same bit of garden again. I think once a pecky bird always a pecky bird. I would separate them permanently. Ax

[The Dogmother]

There is an evil hen nearby, who always wears a bit; despite there being a cockerel around t keep the peace.... she is just plain vile!

[gavclojak]

There is an evil hen... she is just plain vile!

 

Atilla the hen?

[The Dogmother]

Funnily enough, that's what she's called!