I agree, it is horrific when done to otherwise healthy birds, but then again, these birds are still able to eat, no? Would it be better or worse for crossbeaks if you cut their beaks off altogether? Would you just have a bird with two misaligned stubs that is completely unable to eat? How do these beakless birds even eat anyway? I know zero about commercial poultry farming. I suspect the answer to your other question has already been answered by the commercial guys as welll, i.e., how much calories does a bird expend on heating itself and at what point do you heat them versus let them stay outdoors? Or do they get around that by packing them in so tight they heat each other? (Grim, I know, but sadly the truth). I have to say, I think they are better off outdoors for most of the time since that probably kills off any lice growing on them as well. You don't want to keep bringing them inside and outside because it's the re-adjusting that really throws them out of whack. I'm more inclined to leave them without heat outdoors but I live in Southern NY state. If you live somewhere very windy or where the temps repeatedly drop below freezing then it is probably more of an issue.I was horrified by this idea when I saw this last night. But after a minute of thinking about it, I kinda am intrigued. It just might be a good idea for some birds. I know nothing about it, though.