Advice on clipped beak girls...

[shelby528]

Quote:
I wish mine looked like yours! an elderly man down the road FINALLY gave me his birds after me seeing the horrific state they were in! 75 hens shoved in a small shed (no joking here) NO food and little water and there beaks are completely cut off....the tops are completely gone..just bottoms..makes me wonder how they eat and drink...they obviously do because they are still alive and well!

Its really sad to watch though

 

[AngelaClassAct]

I ordered pullets from a local feed store not realizing that the ladies would come de-beaked. I HATED the way they looked, but they were all very friendly and kind birds. The others we raised as chicks, and held them by hand, but they are not as friendly to us. In any event, they couldn't eat layer pellets, and I still haven't tried switching them over. Since they were older than our chicks, they settled the pecking order and they moved to the top very quickly. Some of the produce we put into the pen they have a hard time with, but they do pretty well even with the short beaks. We love 'em, but hate their look. I was (am) a newbie and will know better next time when getting started pullets to ask about the de-beaking. I think it is unnecessary, but I understand why they do it in the hatchery environment.

 

[Alethea]

Thank you for taking in these chickens. People debeak their chickens to stop them from pecking each other. In industrial chickens it is routine because their lives are so stressful they'd peck each other constantly.

 

[shelby528]

Quote:
I hate animal abusers there is no shame in giving an animal to a better home if you cant look after it! the elderly man down the road is quite ill and his excuse for butchering these poor things was he hated seeing them peck at eachother and draw blood. I currently have them in a seperate pen...I get any like that in a cage they go until they have learned there lesson!

 

[Dutchess]

Quote:
That is so sad. They are so lucky that you rescued them, and so lucky to have you

 

[polecatsfan]

UPDATE:

Hey guys, just to let all of you know that posted, that Poppy and Bluebell are all settled in and "part of the flock" as it were

They do seem to like being in the coop rather than the run most of the time, but when they are out, they are fine with the other girls, slight pecking once every few days, but it is all good and getting ALOT less... thanks for all your help and re-assurances.... you peeps are awesome!

can you feel the love in this room?

LOL

cheers guys
Brett