Bumpa Bits in lieu of..............

[Wrigley62]

As some of you know, I have a roo who is brutalizing two of my Barred Rocks (none of the other breeds). As a last resort, I've been thinking of trimming his upper beak back a bit. I have seperated him from the whole flock, no contact at all except by sight. As of last night he slept in the chicken tractor in the garage, which is where he will sleep for about another week. I'm hoping to take him down several "pecking order" notches.

I would like to get some feed back on the use of Bumpa Bits. I have got mixed reviews on other sights. You guys here on Poultrykeeperforum were my first chicken people friends.

It's been only about five days since the first incident. Seperation, beak trimming, Bumpa Bits, giving to another chicken person and finally walking that last "Green Mile" seem to be my only opitons.

I really dig Charlie and I don't want to see him go in any way. I am open to all suggestions.

Thanks,

Wrigley

 

[EddieS]

Is he actually attacking them or is he just rough with his mating? Cockerels
do have favourites, give them 10, 20, 30 hens they sometimes favour one or two.
They will jump any passing hen but will pursue their favourites.
He is still a teenager, give him time to perfect his technique.
If he is worth his salt. you won't take him down in the pecking order by separating him, it doesn't work
the same as it does with hens. Unless of course you have another cockerel. sometimes if they have
plenty of room running a couple of males cools their courage.
Oh, and I have never used Bumpa bits on any stock. Never will.
If he really means to do the hen damage it will be full on
Beak and Spurs. Although they shouldn't be very big yet
I am biased, I like cockerels, and over many years of chicken keeping would never
not run one with hens, I find hens steadier, and more relaxed, and a good cockerel will keep order.
If he really has taken against just two hens, and you can't resolve the situation, I'm afraid the hens would go.

 

[Wrigley62]

Hey Eddie,

Yes he IS attacking them, he comes in from the front, the hen will go submissive and lay FLAT on the ground motionless. He does NOT mount in any way when this is happening. He will then peck (violently) on the back of their neck/head, and he only does this to two of the three Barred Rocks. (I have 16 hens, seven different breeds).

I know, he is still young (24 weeks old), so maybe he'll grow out of this. In the mean time he will be seperated from the rest of the flock. they will still be able to see each other. His spurs are only 1/4 inch.....so far. By the way, he's got his technique down!! He know exactly what and how to do it. TEXT BOOK!!!

The Bumpa BIts should be here by this weekend, only then will I let him back with all the girls, under VERY close supervision. I don't know what else to do. If he goes somewhere else there is the possibility of him continuing to act this way, and that person may not want to deal with the problem and end up terminating him. If that is what needs to happen then I will do it myself. Better it happening with me than with someone that only thinks of him as a nuisance chicken.

Thanks for all the advice Eddie,

Wrigley