Bumpa bit/ poultry bit

[Roisin]

Hello

I have just put a bit on a young whitel leghorn - about 17 weeks old. Its a last resort, obviously - she was pecking feathers out of my other three birds in front of my eyes and eating them! They have enough space in their run etc. She is not happy today, but I expected that, as it can take a day or two for them to get used to. The problem is - the other hens seem to want to peck at the bit - which is frightening her, and she wont come out to eat. Should I take it off? If I do I will have to file her beak to see if that stops her pecking - she is quite a pecker! Any advice? Here is the type of bit I am using http://www.regencypoultry.com/heathcare/anti_peck/beak_bits.htm

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[chrismahon]

We used Bumpa bits, which have a section at the front to stop pecking as well as feather eating Roisin. Whichever bit used, in our experience it needs to be in for three months to break the habit. They wear out at that stage anyway, but we had one persistent offender who was fitted with a replacement for another three months. So taking the bit off now probably will not have cured the problem. Perhaps another feeder and drinker in the run and a perch to give her an escape route?

 

[Roisin]

Thank you. The other bird have stopped having a go at her now- I think they've realised the bit is not a speck of food hanging from her beak! And she is eating and drinking a little... I think it will work out ok.