Last resort

[Crundy]

Well, after trying Cannibal-Stopp, Ukadex, Auntie Mo's big hen trick, and adding leaves, toys and logs to the run, Mabel was still ripping the feathers out of Myrtle's backside. Though it pains me dearly we had to resort to a beak ring.



She was pretty miffed for about an hour, but seemed to be getting used to it after that. The tables turned quite quickly with Myrtle taking food off Mabel, and pecking her beak because she thought she had some food in there. Hopefully not only will it make her forget about the pleasures of feather-plucking, but also bring her down a peg or two.

I did feel bad watching her sniffle and rubbing her beak on the ground, but then I'd see Myrtle turn round and display her bald red raw bum and suddenly remeber why I did it.

[sheena]

Aww, sometimes we have to be cruel to be kind!
I'd personally rather not, but needs must.

At least she's getting a break now, bless her

[Crundy]

I'm amazed she was still munching away at sprayed feathers. That stuff smells disgusting. I still have the smell and taste and in my mouth

[Bephlam]

Well hopefully this will condition her to break the habit, and then you can remove the ring.

[Pumpkin Becki]

I'm amazed she was still munching away at sprayed feathers. That stuff smells disgusting. I still have the smell and taste and in my mouth

I understand they are attracted to the redness, so once an area of skin is red, or worse, bleeding, the other chooks won't leave it alone. Don't know if its already been suggested, but you could also try the violet anticeptic spray often used on horses. It turns the area purple and is therefore less appealing.

[Crundy]

I understand they are attracted to the redness, so once an area of skin is red, or worse, bleeding, the other chooks won't leave it alone. Don't know if its already been suggested, but you could also try the violet anticeptic spray often used on horses. It turns the area purple and is therefore less appealing.

Yes, I'm going to have to get some of that. She's still tapping at her bum a bit, but not pulling feathers.

[HayleyB]

Yep I reckon Gentian Violet will definitely help though don't spray any on yourself it takes for ages to get off....