Chicken bald back

[PixieDust]

Lily has been back less than 48hrs and she has stripped Winnie's tail again. I was out yesterday so they didn't FR. Winnie is stuck by her side though. They do everything together.

 

I guess it's time to get a bumper bit.

 

Which size do I get and where from please?

 

Feeling very disheartened this morning

[Beantree]

The measurement is from the centre of the nostrils in the beak to the end of the beak plus 3mm Pixiedust. Usually 25mm will be sufficient and they are sold individually by Omlet. You will also need the tool which is known as 'external circlip pliers' which open as you squeeze the handles. The opposite version of the tool is 'internal circlip pliers', which are the most common but won't do the job.

 

Sorry it didn't work with Lily.

[PixieDust]

Thanks Beantree.

 

I have given the anti peck spray a try. I wasn't very persistent with it last time. If after a week or 2 she returns to pecking, I will bumper bit her.

 

OH said she seemed too settled in the dog crate despite not coming out for nearly 3 weeks. Should I try putting her in a plastic dog travelling box at night for sleeping?

[Beantree]

Is the idea to disorientate her so that she breaks the pecking habit Pixiedust? In which case the plastic dog box at night may work but you would need to bring her into the house as well. I still think the Bumpa bit is the way to go because we don't have any success with anti-peck sprays unless it is applied every day anfd then the poor victims can't preen.

[Beantree]

It has just occurred to me that the problem may be compounded by the lack of a perch in the run of sufficient height to allow them to escape and not get their feathers pecked from behind? Have you got a perch in the run Pixiedust?

[The Dogmother]

I'd Bumpa Bit her PixieDust

[PixieDust]

In answer to Beantree - I have a perch but I am going to get the other half to rig up a thick rope as a higher perch. Also going to put in a swing type thing and a few more bits.

 

We are going to change the activity area and add an extra perch there.

 

I just have to wait for Himself to do it!

 

DM, if this fails, I will bumpa bit, but since spraying Winnie has not lost more feathers and no blood or wounds so I guess that is a start.

[Luvachicken]

You could always treat them to a kiddies bench from Robert Dyas, that way they get to perch and it makes a handy seat for you too.

Mine have 2 in their run as they are not that big and don't take up much room, also you wouldn't have to wait for your hubby to fix something up.

The bench actually gives them a choice of 3 places to escape - on the back, on the arms or on the seat itself.

[mullethunter]

Mine have a dilapidated garden bench in their run - it makes a great perch