Debeaking & decombing?

[WendyF]

Can someone please explain to this complete noob to the poultry world why a hatchery I found online would offer this 'service' with a chick order?

 

[Michael OShay]

There are some articles on the pros and cons of debeaking a chicken at http://backyardfarming.blogspot.com/2013/02/debeaking-cons-and-pros.html and http://www.upc-online.org/winter07/debeaking.html, and on decombing a chicken at http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_you_have_to_decomb_a_chicken Also there is an economical aspect to these practices. Hatcheries can make extra money offering these services whether they are needed or not, and regardless of any harmful effects they may have on the chicks.

 

[WendyF]

There are some articles on the pros and cons of debeaking a chicken at http://backyardfarming.blogspot.com/2013/02/debeaking-cons-and-pros.html and http://www.upc-online.org/winter07/debeaking.html, and on decombing a chicken at http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_you_have_to_decomb_a_chicken Also there is an economical aspect to these practices. Hatcheries can make extra money offering these services whether they are needed or not, and regardless of any harmful effects they may have on the chicks.

Thank you for the articles. I am just sick to my stomach after reading them. I look at my sweet little chicks, and can't imagine subjecting them to pain. I will never give any of my business to a hatchery offering this 'service'. It also makes me even more determined to provide our flock with more space than minimally required, and an enriched environment to encourage natural behaviors while keeping them occupied and happy in order to prevent pecking. I can't believe some folks see debeaking as an answer. Sick. I also don't see why anyone would choose a breed with the wrong comb type for their winters. It takes a little research, and a little effort, but none of us should ever have to mutilate our chickens to solve preventable problems.