Debeak or not

[sesa]

I have 4 3 week old chicks and a year and a half old hen I was given. The older hen was debeaked when I got her. I was wondering if I should debeak the younger ones also since they all will be living together, also how do you debeak a chick, does it hurt them?

 

[TM Chickens]

Most people consider debeaking inhumane. It's not really necessary unless they are packed together in a tiny cage like they are at most commercial farms.

 

[easttxchick]

No way would I debeak-it isn't necessary and is actually kind of a mean practice in my opinion.
It also makes it more difficult for them to eat.

 

[patnjess]

please don't. It really is so terrible. I've read how to do it. Would ripping your nails off hurt? Not trying to be mean but you really dont have too.

 

[Chickenmaven]

Quote:
It only serves the needs of production farms where the birds are crammed together. It is entirely unnecessary for us small timers.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:

Inhumane and there are lots bettter ways to deal with any pecking issues that may arise than to debeak.

 

[newlyweds]

I have some chickens that we debeaked when I received them they do just fine with beaked chickens, I wouldn't worry about it. But please don't debeak you new chicks.

 

[redrocketrooster]

:C PLEASE PLEASE DON'T! It really is painful and only serves a real purpose when the chickens are crammed together beyond belief.

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Quote:
I second this remark!

 

[dumb_cluck]

NO DEBEAKING. Makes me cringe to think of it. It's like de-clawing a cat. Very painful and not necessary. If you raise happy chickens, they do not have any pecking vices. BUT, if you contain too many together in tight quarters, you will have some pecking order problems. Be the solution.