For us beak trimming is a two person job. One to hold the bird while the other person uses their free hand to hold the head steady and the other hand to use the dremmel-like tool (I think it's actually a beefier version of the Pedi-Paws tool -- made by Oster). At first we worried about retaining the shape of the beak but now we just trim the bottom straight across and do as much cosmetic shaping on the top as we can.
Do have something like QuickStop or cornstarch handy in case of bleeding and this is super important: When trimming the top beak make sure the head you're using (if you go electric trimmer) is small enough that you don't nick their tongue or the inner part of their bottom beak. Sometimes putting your finger in their mouth to hld it open helps to keep you from hitting the bottom by accident, but keep in mind, they aren't used to having their mouths pried open and held there...it will be a funky, slightly unconfortable experience for them, please try to work quickly.
Manna Pro makes the "Poultry Protector" spray. If your feed store doesn't carry it, maybe they can order it for you. It works so well, the place we go to is always running out.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Do have something like QuickStop or cornstarch handy in case of bleeding and this is super important: When trimming the top beak make sure the head you're using (if you go electric trimmer) is small enough that you don't nick their tongue or the inner part of their bottom beak. Sometimes putting your finger in their mouth to hld it open helps to keep you from hitting the bottom by accident, but keep in mind, they aren't used to having their mouths pried open and held there...it will be a funky, slightly unconfortable experience for them, please try to work quickly.
Manna Pro makes the "Poultry Protector" spray. If your feed store doesn't carry it, maybe they can order it for you. It works so well, the place we go to is always running out.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
