How often do people debeak their chickens?

[Ole rooster]

That's why I buy from a breeder that hatches from the eggs. My chicken are in good shape to peck me when they want to. And those beak are sharp, but that's the only I'll have it.

 

[RedDrgn]

Definitely not common amongst backyard flock folk. I know I certainly NEVER do that to my birds.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Debeaking normally doesn't happen in backyard flocks though most hatcheries offer it as an option when you order chicks. If your hen was debeaked its probably an ex-battery hen from a factory farm.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
When you buy chicks from a hatchery they are not de-beaked, its an option that you select when ordering them.

 

[HHandbasket]

Quote:
It is only common amongst battery hens. I have never heard of a private person who keeps chickens in their yard EVER to have a chicken debeaked. It cannot protect itself if it is.

I would return the chicken and find somewhere else to buy my chicks if I were you. I would never buy chicks from someone who renders them without the ability to defend themselves.

 

[QChickieMama]

Quote:
It is only common amongst battery hens. I have never heard of a private person who keeps chickens in their yard EVER to have a chicken debeaked. It cannot protect itself if it is.

I would return the chicken and find somewhere else to buy my chicks if I were you. I would never buy chicks from someone who renders them without the ability to defend themselves.

I wish I could return them. I had to make a decision spur the moment, and I didn't want to disappoint my daughter. :-( If she's not pleased with them in a week or so, I can craigslist them.

 

[Mark & Nique]

Never.

 

[chickengrandma]

So pitiful.

Make sure they get lots of yummy soft treats that are nutritious: eggs, plain yogurt, cooked oatmeal, soup, etc.

 

[happyhensny]

I had a few debeaked girls - kept them and gave them extra treats.

 

[Pele]

It is actually very common in hatchery birds that are bought at POL. The hatcheries do it because they, like most commercial facilities, crowd in as many chickens in a square foot as will possibly fit. It's all profit to them. If I am forced to buy from a hatchery, I'll only buy chicks, and not pay for debeaking.

I would bet a lot of money that this guy buys POL hens from hatcheries, uses them for a year, then sells the ones that slow down on laying. Not a very nice business model on either end, but profitable to him.