Beak Bit

[Roisin]

Anybody out there used beak bits? I have just fitted one to one of my hens who is feather picking, having tried everything else, anti peck spray, purple spray etc. She is not a vicious creature, is not drawing blood, but is making my once beautiful blue hen look rather bare. I fitted the bit today, and am a bit shocked at her reaction. She doesnt seem to be eating, and keeps trying to get it off. Also, as it holds her mouth open a bit, wont her mouth get too dry? Will her breathing be affected? I saw a tiny speck of blood in her mouth after I fitted it - should I be worried?

 

[Margaid]

What type is it Roisin? If you search the forum for "bumpa bit" you will find a lot of information, particularly from our guru Chrismahon (who's not available at the moment). I have no experienc of these but understand from the forum posts that the best are the Bumpa bit and they don't seem to bother the hen whi is wearing it.

 

[Lordcluck]

if the bit is fitted correctly, it will irritate the bird initially, but she'll soon get used to it being there, and commence feeding and drinking as normal. I've used bits and spectacle bits in birds that feather-peck and egg eat, with great effect, just don't leave them on the bird indefinitely, as they can cause beak and nostril deformities. A little blood around the nostrils or on the tongue is quite usual in a lot of freshly bitted birds, and shouldn't cause any long term problems, neither should you be concerned over any dryness of the tongue or mouth, it shouldn't be an issue in a healthy bird.

 

[Roisin]

Thank you both for your replies. It is not a Bumpba bit, but a simpler thing called a beak bit, from Regency Poultry. The good news is the hen has now got used to it and seems to be eating and drinking normally. So I feel a lot better about the whole thing. I not sure she can pick up grains of corn from the ground, but she does seem to be able to manage wet mash, pellets, damp bread, apple and other treats. It is a temporary measure, when Blueys feathers have grown back I'll take it off. Poor old chook!