"de-beeking" to stop picking

[Wynette]

IMO, trimming or debeaking is not addressing the issue. If there is picking going on, there's something that's not right (I wholeheartedly agree with MissPrissy).

Please consider adding enrichment items to their enclosure; you did not mention how large of an area they are in; could it be that they just don't have enough room? I currently have 21 chicks in a dog kennel (like the outdoor type, wrapped in chicken wire) in my basement. I had it split in half to make cleaning easier. I noticed some picking going on, and took the barrier out to open up the entire 5' x 5' kennel; added a few large branches for them to hop up & down off, and a cement block, just for something else to do. The picking has completely stopped!

 

[Akane]

Put something in the brooder. It really doesn't matter what it is so long as it's not dangerous to them. A just threw in a stick and it was enough entertainment for a day that they stopped picking.

 

[eggchel]

Change the brooder light to a red light (if already red, change to white) or to a ceramic heat bulb and see if that helps.

Watch them to see if you can identify whether there is a single chick who is doing the picking, and then separate that chick from the others. If you dont want to cull it, then when it is fully grown, you can put "PEEPERS" (blinders) on the bird that will make it impossible for it to continue to pick.

 

[Wynette]

Tell us about your brooder, and maybe we can all come up with ideas on items that might help release their boredom! I have an old horse trough that I sometime suse as a brooder, and I put a dog kennel panel over the top; when I use the trough, I will tie a piece of binder twine from the kennel panel, JUST a bit higher than their heads; they play with it for HOURS, it's great fun to watch! Just need to make sure to tie it tightly so they can't pull it down.

 

[redhen]

yes..i also meant to cull the pickER...instead of de-beaking him..it think its more humane to cull him..than to de-beak.....good luck!

 

[wilds of pa]

In commercial de beaking they cut it back so far into the very edge of the quik and the beak in then cauterized, the beak normally doesn't grow back after that. Of course those birds are grown in horrid condition.

Rearrange there feeders and waters every other day can give some confusion in the brooders along with a super dark red light as some one else mentioned, this will help cover up any blood, do not allow any daylight to enter there brooder. You can cover up windows with dark paper if possible. we use blue-coat and hot pick on picked areas when it arises

If you just want to clip the tips of there beaks make sure to use a good sharp nail clippers(we use a guillotine type) as you do not want to splinter or split the beak with a dull clippers.

Ive had many battles raising pheasants and learned real fast from experience in picking. once it gets out of hand its pretty tough to end it..

Thanks
Charlie

 

[Fresh Eggs]

PLEASE DO NOT DO THAT!!!! IT HURS THEM, AND RUINS THEIR APPEARANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[m00res]

I have two birds that were rescued from a commercial poultry facility. Their beaks were cut. Even though much of their beak has grown back, I can tell you that it impairs their ability to eat. One of them can hardly hang on to a worm, let alone catch a beetle or a spider. Even the layer pellets are hard for them to grasp some times. I would think that de-beaking could impact their overall health compared to other chickens who can eat properly. I personally wouldn't do it. Just my two cents. Good luck with your decision.

 

[wilds of pa]

It will grow back, Just don't cut it so far into the quik because then it wont grow back in most cases,

Ive clipped the very pointy tips of my pheasant and done it to bobwhite at one time or another.. there beaks all grew back just fine..remember just the very point of the beak tip..

when you run into a problem, its either you do something about it or it will get worse..peepers may work but aren't always an option for chickens as the comb can get in the way of the snap on peeper, you can use bits to, never tried them though.

If its an over crowding thing, you will need to give them more room(not much choice on this one), but if picking has already started it may not stop after moving, just for the simple fact they got a taste of blood.

so any option is better then none..clipping the tip of the beak is one option to possible remedy the problem..

Charlie

 

[kimpaw]

I have never tried" Peck no more "but I have used Pine Tar with good results to stop pecking where the chicks were bloody and they wouldn't leave them alone . They really hate the taste of it . Kimpaw