Do the major hatcheries routinely debeak chicks? The reason that I ask is because someone on another forum was very concerned because she got baby chicks from McMurray and their beaks were severely cut off. Being new to chickens she was of course very alarmed. It was explained that McMurray debeaks their chicks and must have done a very sloppy job with hers. Is this true? Do all major hatcheries do this? I got my chicks from MyPetChicken and their beaks look fine.
I've ordered chicks 2 years in a row from McMurray and mine have not been debeaked. They are beautiful, healthy, and happy. It is a shame that the person's birds were maimed!
I was thinking that debeaking is only done to started pullets. Either way, debeaking is a cruel and painful process that often stays with the bird for life. They are unable to pick up certain items or eat certain things. The beak is very sensative to the chicken. It's disgusting. It is supposed to decrease pecking.
We just got a 2nd order for McMurrary and all of ours was in perfect health. Possibly Started Pullets are debeaked. I have seen it done and it's right up there on my "WTH" list of things I just will NOT do.. Debeaking and declawing a cat... OMGosh...
Started Pullets are chicks that have been raised until they are closer to an age where they will lay eggs. A bit more expensive but you don't have to wait 6 months to get eggs from them.
I have ordered chicks for 5 years from McMurray and never have I gotten a chick that had its beak cut off or debeaked. They are the only hatchery I use and I have always received healthy chicks from them also. I always order day old chicks from them. I don't know about started pullets but I do know unless someone requests debeaking from McMurray on their day old chicks it is not routinely done. I use to order from them every year but then we moved someone we couldn't have chickens or any livestock animal and then we moved back to my mother in laws property last year and we got chicks again.
I understand why they do it for started pullets as they will be keeping them longer and I am sure a pecked pullet wouldnt sell very well... That being said I agree it is unneccasary and cruel...
