I think it is but a local hatchery does it. I have used clippers to clip the beak of a Bobwhite quail but that was because it was overgrown for some reason. They do it so that in close quarters the chicks/chickens don't pick at each other.
I don't think trimming them is cruel but actually clipping them down is IMO. I have trimmed mine a bit (they grow back) it's like trimming toenails but if you actually debeak them, that's horribly painful for them
Coming from someone with no practical experience of it, I have to say it sounds fantastically awful, like something out of a horror movie. The things we do to make bad practices work!
I don't own chickens yet. But when I get them, I don't want to buy from a place that debeaks. I see no problem with trimming beaks, especially when the chicken has a deformity of some kind in the beak. However, debeaking, no, it's cruel and unnecessary. I don't even know of anybody here who actually agrees with it.......
I could understand if there was a physical deformity on a chick and that was the only way to help it, but then you have to consider the quality of life the bird would have. I have to say my mouth dropped open on this topic. I didn't know it was something people actually did to chickens. That's like removing a body part~ here how about a leg or an arm... how would they eat?? Please I hope your not considering this...
I know your just inquiring information at this point, I'm not trying to be mean but please think about how that would feel~ these creatures are designed perfectly, don't try to alter what they are.
When I got my chicks they had their beaks trimmed - only the extreme end was missing - they never had a problem eating and seemed very happy - now at approximately 8 weeks old I notice the lower beak is slightly longer than the upper peak - it actually seems to help them when they eat and drink because it acts somewhat like a shovel - now as far as the question should it be done - there are two sides to this - it prevents them from harming each other - does it hurt - probably for a short time after it is done - if we were sure that it didn't hurt there wouldn't be any harm in doing it - right? - now let's look at procedures that are done to animals and humans that hurt for a short time but after it is over the benefit in the long run outweights the short time discomfort - a male child is often circumcised - does it hurt - I'm sure it does but in the long run there is some good from it - I guess - getting your tooth pulled because of a abcess - does it hurt - sure but it is worth it - so what I'm saying not all things that are done even if it hurts is necessarily a bad thing - I think it's an issue that should be left up to each individual - like Shakespear said - "to debeak or not to debeak" - that is the question -