xScrunchee Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Hi all How do I get a bumper bit onto a clued up chicken? Bobbie has had a bumper bit on since the end of May and the other day it came off. I left it off hoping that she had forgotton that she likes ripping holes into the backs of her friends but alas no!! She has remembered and started being a pain again. Yesterday I tried to fit a bumper bit on her (bearing in mind that I have fitted one on her and two on Ria-so I'm normally fine with it) but I cannot get it on the little madam!! Just as I get it positioned she shakes her head really hard! She is really being a pest. I am wrapping her up in a towel so she cannot jump off and my daughter is holding her for me but I am having no luck. Must have tried at least 6 times now!! Are there any top tips that would make it easier? As it is I hate doing it and trying to get both prongs into both nostrils at the same time without causing too much injury to the skin on the top of their beaks is just no fun! HEEEEEEEELP!!! Ta very much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Sorry I don't have any suggestions but will be keeping an eye on this as I have a couple that I may fit if the 'Get out of my way' pecking doesn't stop I think some one suggested using circlip (sp) pliers were useful karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Hi Jay, sorry to hear Bobbi is being a pain again! I wrapped Babs in a towel (as you said) and then put the BB in very hot water to loosen it a bit. I found it was more pliable and easier to fit. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 I've never tried it myself, but would it be worth trying to do it after she has gone to roost? She may be more dopey then and not put up as much of a fight! Hope you get her sorted! Little madam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 I've never tried it myself, but would it be worth trying to do it after she has gone to roost? She may be more dopey then and not put up as much of a fight! Hope you get her sorted! Little madam. Ooh that's a good idea Snowy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkleeeeee Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 i tried to fit some when all my girls went in together, i gave up after an hour, i just couldnt get it on. poor little makka went to sleep it was so exciting. there is a tool to get them on with that is about £20. which is why the come in strips. i wish i had bought one. apparently gamekeepers do hundreds of phesants at one time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 I do mine at roost. Also dont worry about holding her head firmly./ theyre tougher than they look. Can you get someone to help? I know wht its like doing them on your own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 theyre tougher than they look. A bit like babies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted October 21, 2007 Author Share Posted October 21, 2007 It's on!! I still hate doing it though and just wish that they would quit trying to pluck eachother!! Thanks for the support everyone The putting it in hot water did soften it a fair bit but by the time Bobbie stopped shaking her head like a loon-the plastic had cooled down and was rigid again!! Never mind-it's done now and hopefully it'll be a few months before I have to do it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Good news Jay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Can I ask what made you fit them? I have some in reserve, as a couple of my hooligan hybrids seem to take great delight in pulling the odd feather out of the others, but it is only the odd one, I'm not sure if fitting them will upset the pecking order or just stop them removing feathers that don't belong to them karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted October 21, 2007 Author Share Posted October 21, 2007 Both of my Pepperpots need bumper bits Bobbie pecks at the back of the other two. It starts off with her just plucking a bald patch but then she ends up drawing blood. Ria plucks the legs and bums of Bobbie and Rose! Rose is a darling and is always plucked-never the plucker!! Bobbie and Ria have big issues with this and once started-show no signs of stopping. To be honest-if it was a case of the odd feather being pulled every now and again I doubt I would fit the BB's but both girls take it to the extreme!! (pics of Rose) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 My hens' bottoms looked just like that. You know when you need to fit a bumper bit: it's when feather-plucking becomes a hobby, and you are too embarrassed to let anyone see your hens as they look as though they are mooning all the time. Alma's bumper bit broke recently after about ten months and she has given up her old tricks, so I am really pleased. But I don't trust my ginger monster, and she still has hers on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Thanks for that I think I'll keep them in reserve for now, as it does only seem to be a bit of "Oi! get out of my way" kind of pecking, but I'll keep an eye on them. karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pearsons Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 I noticed today that the bumper bit on Chips is loose....... No doubt she will have it disposed of by mid week and then I'll have to keep an eye on her to make sure the pecking has subsided. Mynext-door neighbour calls her Atilla the Hen!!! Helen in Hume Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...