And what the heck is "debeaking"??? And, do I need Marek vaccinations.

[skatcatla]

..for two birds?

I know, I am full of questions today. :-D

 

[missusduray]

Debeaking is where a portion if the top beak is removed to prevent pecking. It is usually only done in large flocks over 100 or in problem birds. I know that battery hens are all debeaked. For 2 chicks, you will not need this and you will most likely not need the vaccination for marek's disease. That is also somthing they reccomend for large flocks. If you are only getting 2 and you keep their brooder and eventually coop clean, then you shouldnt have any disease problems. Good luck!
Kristyne

 

[justusnak]

The Marek vaccination is for Mareks disease.http://www.millerhatcheries.com/Information/Diseases/marek_disease.htm

As far as the debeaking? NO The only reason a chicken is debeaked...is to keep them from pecking each other. The only reason a chicken will peck another is if they are in too small a space. I for one, and I am sure there are many others, do NOT believe in debeaking a chicken.

 

[Lunachick]

I don't believe in debeaking or trimming beaks on birds either. I received my hens with trimmed beaks because that was the way this company did business ( I'm guessing they were ordered from a large hatchery and all the chickies get debeaked because of pecking) I love my birds, it's not their fault - but next time - NO.

 

[skatcatla]

Ok I thought so. I am a big believer in leaving animals alone in that respect.

 

[chicknmania]

Debeaking is horrible. We have gotten chickens from the Amish before and that's what they do. It is so rewarding to get them and watch their beaks grow out! It is a barbaric, outdated practice from what I've read.

 

[chickaboo7]

Please, Please , Please don't debeak your babies. I've seen it done!! My eyes are watering as I type this. 2 of my babies are debeaked They are always being picked one by the other girls especially at bed time. I had to separate them They seem so sad. I have to break up their food and cut their veggies real small. Does anyone out there know how long it takes for the beak to grow back?

 

[missusduray]

I agree that debeaking is barbaric. I dont believe that it should be done either. I heard that it takes 6 weeks for them to grow back, unless the nerves were harmed during the process and then it will never grow back.
Kristyne

 

[Lunachick]

From everything I've read, they don't grow back. Once debeaked forever debeaked. My one hen has a "shovel beak" the bottom sticks out way farther then the top. The other ones bottom is even with the top part of her beak, this makes her better at catching bugs and pecking on the ground for things. The "shovel" shape on the other one makes it very hard for her to peck at anything on the ground, so she gets the most grapes when it's treat time.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I dont think the beaks grow back, either. I had two girls that were debeaked and they never grew back. As for the Mareks vacc.- It's so inexpensive to do that I opt for it everytime I order chicks. I see no harm whatsoever in having a little extra protection for the birds.