Clipping beaks

[Athenab]

I'm new to the chicken world, and my chickens have not had their beaks clipped. I free range them just about every day, and it's been a non issue...til I just brought 3 more home that have been clipped.( honestly never was on my radar as something to do/not do). ..so my question is, will the the pecking order adjustment be easier if I click mine? What's the reason to clip in the first place? Help!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Personally I would not clip them. There is no reason.

Some commercial operations clip the top beak to keep the chickens from eating each other when they are kept in crowded conditions. As long as you don’t crowd your chickens that’s usually not an issue. By clipping the beak they are no longer able to grab the other chicken and rip holes in their skin and cut chunks of meat from them. Sorry to be so blunt but that’s what it is about.

When you clip the beaks it also makes it harder for them to eat. It’s harder for them to catch creepy crawlies or pick up choice morsels. That doesn’t mean they can’t just that it is harder. Some do quite well. But that’s one reason commercial operations often feed the chickens a damp mash instead of crumbles or pellets. It’s easier for the chickens with clipped beaks to eat that wet mash.

 

[mymilliefleur]

Glad you joined. I second Ridgerunner. You do not need to clip their beaks. It's a cruel practice used by commercial poultry operations so they can get away with cramming large numbers of birds together in a small space. Good luck with your flock.

 

[chickmomma03]

I wouldn't clip. I brought mine all home at day old, and the only thing I did was clip their wings when they were 4 1/2wks and again at 6 1/2wks because I didn't have the coop built yet and the run was only about 3ft tall so I didn't want them flying out. Now I don't clip their wings because they can't get out of the run.

You want them to be able to peck for bugs, forage, etc.