Bumpabit help

Becky

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I made a thread a while back about a feather pecking problem, I initially though this was down to our run being too small so started using anti-feather pecking spray, and let our girls free range through the day, initially this seemed to work but as soon as the spray stopped the pecking continued and I've decided that I had no choice but to use the bumpa bits I'd bought.

I've put them on 2 of the girls just now, and had to do it own my own by hand I just wanted to check if this looks right please?

14ahc13.jpg


Reading around it seemed that it should go in her nostrils further back from where it is in the pic, but I physically couldn't get it that far back and it seemed to sit naturally where it is.

I really just want to make sure it's not going to hurt them where it is? I know it's for a good reason but feel really awful putting it on them.

Also, I understand they will need their food and water in their coop cups with them on - will they still be able to eat say a cabbage okay?
 
Hi Becky. No it doesn't look right to me either. The ends with the ball on should be in the nostrils and it is going to be very difficult to do without the correct tool. I have heard warming them in hot water helps but I've always used external circlip pliers, which Omlet now sell. It seems to be lodged on the side of the beak and may just fall off. The ball ends do distort the nostrils slightly, but it can't be that uncomfortable for them as one hen I've last week fitted with a Bumpa bit is digging in the ground with her beak, eating normally and laying. She made little attempt to take it off after the first few minutes, although that isn't always the case. Omlet now say that if you keep them in for longer than two weeks the nostrils are permanently distorted. That's true because none of ours have been cured of feather eating in less than a month and one had two bits in for three months at a time. Of course these are a last resort. Before Bumpa Bits we culled 4 serial feather and cockerel comb munchers and that would have been unnecessary. Lovely looking Blue Laced Wyandottes as well.
 
Thanks so much for your reply.

Edit: Sure enough they were just sitting above the beak, had to take them both off as there is no way I'd manage to get them up into the nostrils, at least not today!

Can they still eat things off of the ground or is it impossible with them?

I take it they should look like this pic I found?: https://plus.google.com/photos/110062987547982662602/albums/5708705624002200881/5708705622479013106?banner=pwa&pid=5708705622479013106&oid=110062987547982662602

Also, these appear to be exactly the same pliers as on the omlet website: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Circlip-Pliers-160mm-SILVERLINE-868868/dp/B00862PGEE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394031713&sr=8-2&keywords=silverline+circlip+pliers
 
They can eat as normal Becky. Their tongue scoops it up. They just can't close their beak fully to pick feathers or flesh.

Pliars look ok from pictures. They appear to be a combination set so they need to be interchanged to open as you squeeze the handles.

The picture of the fitted beak bit looks wrong as well. ~I posted on this site with photos showing how they are fitted, but I haven't a clue how to tell you.
 
Thanks again.

My pliers arrived today, got some off eBay exactly the same as the ones on the omlet website but about 1/3 of the price. Really can't believe how simple it makes putting them on. They seem okay with them, apart from one who I haven't seen eat anything since, saying that it's only been literally 5mins so will keep an eye on her.
 
Becky I happy that you posted this, we presently have 2 girls who do not seem to be having any pecking issues, but we will be getting a cockerel and 9 more girls (all will be about the same age) and your post has provided us with quick solution. Glad to hear things are well now.
 
My first time of seeing that. Birds will normally peck and eat feathers when they are not fed a balanced diet (amino acids should be balanced). What do you feed them?
 
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