Need help on beak trimming

[happyhens1972]

When a chicken is debeaked the beak will never fully grow back.

I think it depends how much is taken off. My ex batts (in the UK) were all debeaked but only one out of the six didn't return to normal....hers always looked stunted but she managed fine with it. All the others were eventually indiscernable from my home-hatched rangers xx

 

[Aubby]

You did good. My first time trimming a beak, the hen jerked at the last second, causing her beak to slip farther back in the clipper, and the result was I hit the quick full-on.

It bled like a fire hydrant. Not only that, hitting the quick on a beak hits the most sensitive and most abundant nerves on a chicken's body, causing immense pain.

Trimming a beak should be undertaken only for the most serious of reasons, and using the utmost care and caution. It's definitely a two-person job.

I commend you again for getting advice and guidance before attempting to trim your chicken's beak.

If that would have happened to me I fear I would have had a heart attack. I have had animals all my life and do most of my vetting myself, if I can. I am really over cautious with the chickens because they are still pretty new to me. 1 1/2 years now. I still have A LOT to learn.

 

[happyfrenchman]

That debeaked chicken... that is terrible. But also remember, that practice is done with a hot knife. I think it cauterizes or there would be alot of blood that high up. A beak is like a fingernail. It will bleed a considerable amount if you cut too far. I did not see if it was said about why the chickens beak is not self trimming. Is there some misalignment of this chickens jaw, or has the bird been unable to peck around with it's injury?

 

[georgieboy11]

Here's a little girl who was having issues. Her beak was slightly curved and her beak would get overgrown. I trimmed to where I added the black line across her beak.

View attachment 1245435

I would trim a little bit every week or as you felt comfortable that it was still requiring a trim. I've haven't trimmed close to the quick.

Hi! I have 3 bantam hens who look just like your girl, would you happen to know what breed they are? I got them as chicks out of the assorted bantam bin at a tractor store so Ive always wondered what they are.

 

[peckpeckpeck]

I am still trying to figure out how to post on here. The above pictures are after and before . I Did it!!!!!! I waited til late last night when she was sleepy. She took it better than me. Did I get enough?

You did amazing!!!

What a lucky girl that you're taking such good care of her.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Hi! I have 3 bantam hens who look just like your girl, would you happen to know what breed they are? I got them as chicks out of the assorted bantam bin at a tractor store so Ive always wondered what they are.

The girl I was holding was an Old English Game Bantam. Her color is a Silver Duckwing.

 

[Tikichicken]

Hmm, I use a dremel for my dog's nails. Has anyone tried it for beaks?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I think it depends how much is taken off. My ex batts (in the UK) were all debeaked but only one out of the six didn't return to normal....hers always looked stunted but she managed fine with it. All the others were eventually indiscernable from my home-hatched rangers xx

I did some reading on de-beaking and if the chicken is de-beaked with a hot iron or something that cauterized the blood vessels then the beak will never grow back. But if the beak is cut then it can grow back, although the chances of that are very slim if the chicken was de-beaked.

 

[aart]

Hmm, I use a dremel for my dog's nails. Has anyone tried it for beaks?

I do too.
But don't think I'd try that on a beak, too easy to catch the tongue or hit the face/eye.

 

[Anansi]

A file works well too, and you can get a set of small files at a very reasonable price. All you do is flip her on her back, hold the beak and file it to the proper length, then round the tip to match the curve of the quick. If you're doing it on a regular basis, she'll get used to it, and it should only take s few mins. You may even find that she asks for a trim when needed. It's less frightening for them and gives you more control.