To pinless peeper or not to pinless peeper- that is the question

[mrskenmore]

Hi BYC family

Wanted to get some opinions here for my flock of 9 hens. We introduced 6 hens to the existing flock of hens almost 3 years ago. Everything is pretty calm for the most part but ever since we introduced the Littles there has been some feather plucking behavior.

Year one I figured it was the adjustment of going from 4 hens to 10

Year two I worked on increasing space to 148 Sq ft for 8 girls (we had one death from old age and Penny Marshall my special needs hen lives above them now in her Penthouse) I also transitioned them to a 20% protein feed supplementing with 25% protein at their molts

I have tried sprays, anti pick creams etc and none worked- I was thinking of the peepers as a last resort..

Entering year three.....I waited patiently this year as everyone had their molt and everyone's butt feathers returned... alas I am now still seeing picking IRL

I need to nip this in the bud... so I ordered pinless peepers for the 3 known offenders that are in the new flock and soon to be 3 years. I will apply tomorrow to the two worst offenders and hold off on the third for now as she is finishing her molt and recently had her comb attacked and is healing...

I feel like I have made all of the preventative and the appropriate changes and we are now at the pinless peeper stage- would you agree with my approach?

My flock are pets and allthough the peepers seem cruel so is feather plucking...

I plan on using for 2 weeks then removing...

Thoughts?

Please help this nervous mom of 9

Thanks all!!

this is Mrs. Butterworth my primary offender......... Barred Rock hen 2.5 years young

 

[Mrs. K]

Well if what you are doing isn't working, you can either try something else or remove the problem hens in the flock. I understand they are pets to you, but they are not pets to each other, and I don't see it as a peaceful flock, and it really has not been so for a long time.

Always solve for peace in the flock. You really only have 3 options: Cull or remove the problems birds from the flock. Separate the problem birds into their own area, or apply the pin less peepers. For a lot of people, the pin less peepers stopped problem behavior. I guess you could continue as you have been, but that behavior just destroys my enjoyment of chickens.

When people worry about the bird wearing the peepers, I always wonder about the bird getting harassed.

Mrs K

 

[mrskenmore]

Well if what you are doing isn't working, you can either try something else or remove the problem hens in the flock. I understand they are pets to you, but they are not pets to each other, and I don't see it as a peaceful flock, and it really has not been so for a long time.

Always solve for peace in the flock. You really only have 3 options: Cull or remove the problems birds from the flock. Separate the problem birds into their own area, or apply the pin less peepers. For a lot of people, the pin less peepers stopped problem behavior. I guess you could continue as you have been, but that behavior just destroys my enjoyment of chickens.

When people worry about the bird wearing the peepers, I always wonder about the bird getting harassed.

Mrs K

Well said Mrs. K

I appreciate your experience and honesty. Would you apply to all three offenders at the same time? If so for how long?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

While I have not personally had to use pinless peepers I would in a heartbeat if I had a chicken that was pecking another hen and other methods didn't work. I don't see anything cruel about them. And if the peepers didn't work, into the crock pot she would go!

 

[Mrs. K]

Yes, and I would leave them on for quite a while. If you take them off too soon, you might be right back in the same place.

I don't see this as a punishment, but as a way the bird gets to stay.

 

[mrskenmore]

Yes, and I would leave them on for quite a while. If you take them off too soon, you might be right back in the same place.

I don't see this as a punishment, but as a way the bird gets to stay.

That is a good way to look at it.. the peepers will go on tomorrow- will keep you all posted

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Good luck, we are rooting for you!

 

[mrskenmore]

Good luck, we are rooting for you!

Thank you very much

 

[mrskenmore]

Thank you very much

Two down- one to go...

My lavender orpington Luna Lovegood is my last- they keep falling off of her. I will try again later

Lucille Roberts

Mrs . Butterworth

 

[mrskenmore]

Ok so Lucille Roberts fell off too- will redo her and Luna's after lunch

Anyone have a good video of putting them on that they can share?