Hens; feather-pecking

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Anyone tried this???

http://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/chicken...d_bumpa_bits/10750/bumpa_bit_-_25mm_-_single/

I've got some ex-battery hens, and they've always been inclined to peck everyone else's bum. The other chooks in the run don't do it, just the ex-batts.

Have tried using spray, doesn't seem to have any effect.

Then came across this while looking for something else.

Just wondering if anyone else has used them; the thing that really puts me off is the "hint" that they're difficult to fit, apparently. I've seen some feedback on forums which does suggest they're "fiddly", which says it all basically - also deffo a job for two rather than one person doing it, which isn't what I want to hear as generally tend to be doing the chooks on my own!

Anyway, feedback welcome, also if anyone has any other ideas to stop feather pecking.

 

[*hic*]

I've always found that once my ex-batts are allowed to be free range there is so much to occupy them that they don't bother feather pecking. I'd certainly try to isolate the cause and change their circumstances so they don't do it rather than fit them with devices to stop it.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

how much space do they have? hanging greens up, old CDs etc can also help keep them occupied. I don't have ex-bats but I did buy a pair of pullets last year that had come from a very stressy and overcrowded environment that did it. eventually they learned to forage and what greens are and they've not looked back-I did have to keep the worst affected one separate for a while though. also, are they feather eating as well as pecking? can indicate they are lacking protein if they are-chuck them some meal worms to help.