Ms

[Roksteddie]

I finally got to the bottom of why 2 chickens had been losing feathers at such an alarming rate. 2 of them had developed a feather pecking habit so we've fitted them with bumpa bits. It feels awful to see them clearly unhappy with them at first but they soon get used to it. My question is: how long should they stay on for? I know that Omlet recommends a maximum of 2 weeks but I'm wondering if that really is long enough to break the habit? I've read that people have kept theirs on pretty much long-term, only replacing them once they've worn through. Other people seem to think that a month is a more realistic length of time. Does anyone have any first-hand experience of bumpa bits?

[BridieLou]

I don't have experience of using them, but I was researching too and found that a couple of people said 3 weeks seemed to do the job.

 

I think they can wear down their beaks a little, but they'll grow back. As you say, others suggest a whole month.

 

Good luck with your hens!

[The Dogmother]

You can leave them on as long as necessary, I can think of a couple of birds , who have needed permanent bumpa bits as they are grumpy feather pullers!

[Roksteddie]

Are there any issues with their beaks growing around them? It feels cruel that they can't pick up finer pieces of food etc And are they able to preen themselves properly?

[The Dogmother]

They are fine, and it's better than a dead bird with it's rear end pecked out; I had to go out to someone local and despatch one this weekend - not a pretty sight

[Millie-Annie]

Ive seen that too DM. My two ex-batts were permanently in bumpa bits, they were absolutely fine. A friend told me they can get addicted to the carotene in feathers so its not a bullying problem more an addiction

[The Dogmother]

LOL, I think he meant Keratin

 

They are very prone to habit forming behaviours, but these are easy to break if you just watch for the signs and triggers.

[Roksteddie]

Well I think I managed to get in really quickly as neither of the victims is particularly bald in one specific area, more a general thinning in the rump and back feathers. I've seen the culprits still make attempts at feather pecking but I think these have been unsuccessful. I'm really hoping that I can break their habit as I'd like them to go back to being completely 'natural' as they're struggling to peck at certain foods that the only one without a bumpa bit can. It seems unfair that she can pick up mealworms and bits of corn while the others really struggle to. But other than that they seem totally unfazed.

[The Dogmother]

Just make sure that their drinkers and feeders are deep enough for them to be able to get to the feed while wearing the bits.

[Millie-Annie]

Sorry DM, that was my spelling, whoops

 

I used to put their food in coop cups, like you buy for budgies. Only thing is the other two thought that was a much better way of eating too, lazy pair

[Roksteddie]

So it's been just over 2 weeks now and the main culprit still has the habit! Although she's not able to actually pluck any feathers, she keeps trying to. I fear it might be a while before she breaks the habit - if ever. Meanwhile both girls with the bits have top beaks which are getting noticeably longer. I guess that because the beaks are not coming into direct contact with the ground they're not being worn down in the usual manner. Might this become a problem in the near future?

[The Dogmother]

Not really; you can either take the bits off and gently file back the overgrown beaks before replacing them, or wait until you eventually take them off altogether. Do be careful though - the quick on a beak is pretty long, so have some vet wound powder to hand to staunch the bleeding just in case.

[Roksteddie]

Thanks for all your input on this!

[Roksteddie]

Main culprit is still making attempts at feather picking in earnest and I've now witnessed her successfully pull out a few feathers! Should I move her to the next size up? The other culprit's beak has almost grown to a point where it will meet the end of the bumpa bit. Should she also be moved onto the next size up or should I now remove it altogether as she hasn't shown any signs of the habit in a while?

[The Dogmother]

The bumpa bit should extend beyond the end of the beak, it is very unusual for it not to do this. Would it be possible for you to post a photo of the bird wearing the bit?

[Roksteddie]

The bumpa bit did and still does extend beyond the beak, but the top beak of both girls has grown so that the distance between beak and bumpa bit has decreased noticeably. I think if left on indefinitely the beaks will continue to grow and eventually meet the bit. I will try and get a photo tomorrow (Saturday).

[The Dogmother]

Ahhh, I get your drift - photos not needed! The beaks will over grow with time, so if a bird is wearing one long term, it will be necessary to remove the bit every so often, and carefully file the beak back a bit.