gillian.scott Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 Hi all, I just wonder when people would use a bumpa bit and if it's something to try early or as a final measure? Also has anyone used these on smaller birds? I have a little feather pulling and eating going on which I'm trying to stop, it started as the girls began laying and is continuing with one becoming quite persistent. I am trying other things, bigger run for when they are shut in, water spray for when I see them doing it and also adding distractions for them, but I still see a little bit of feather pulling even when they free range. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 I would suggest that you look at their environment first, double up on food and water stations etc to see if that works. Also have a bash at isolating the culprit within the run.... a broody cage type of set up is good for this. Bumpa bitting is easy to do, and can save lives as feather pulling can easily lead to cannibalism if they catch the skin anc taste blood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillian.scott Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 Thank you, we have had a skin wound this week, she has been separated but supervised free ranging with the others with no issues. Tried them sleeping together tonight and someone has pulled the scab off, so i have seperated her off again for the night so the scab can reform. The one who was pecked isn't normally targeted exclusively but I think the skin was caught when a feather was pulled and like you say the blood led to more pecking, I caught it quite quickly and seperated her off. We installed a bigger run today, I will pick up extra feeders tomorrow. I have a small run so can try and seperate the worst one next to the others but I fear the feather eater will just take her place and still pick if she gets a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 Try dabbing a tiny bit of menthol (Vaporub will do fine) near the scab and that ought to deter any pecking at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 I am currently excluding Lily in a dog crate within the run. She has been feather plucking and kicking for a time and the anti peck spray didn't work. Last straw was when she had drawn blood from Winnie's tail last week. I had to wait a few days as I was re-doing the coop, but last night the other 2 were back in the coop and Lily spent the night in the crate. I feel awful but as she was bullying any time she wasn't free ranging, she is going to need 10 days at least just in the crate just to knock her down a peg or 2. It's quite big, has a perch, food, water and grit. She will be ok. Rather that than the other 2 getting pecked to death. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
