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I do disagree that free range debeaked birds won't thrive. If cared for properly, even on free range, they should be offered feed when they want it, so a debeaked bird, if supposedly less efficient at gathering natural feed, should thrive none the less. Ah, so this is Theory, not experience...

Quote: Ok fine, split hairs Debeaking affects their ability to *thrive*when free ranging. (The degree to which it matters depends on local conditions - type of ground, type of things to eat, etcetera). Pat

I have 2 (formerly 3) debeaked hens because that's the way they came when ordered as ready-to-lay pullets from the feedstore. (I probably should have known they'd come debeaked but what can I say, I didn't, but what was I going to do, refuse delivery?) They do okay as long as I exercise a little...