question about beak trimming

[Lunachick]

LindaN - if your bird's beaks don't grow back, they were debeaked. It's not that tragic, it's not the bird's fault, the hatcheries do it for pecking order when they have large flocks to deal with.

Like I said before, they do fine, they just don't look normal, they dodn't know the difference, after all they're chickens too, and do normal chicken things. Hopefully this practice will change. Enjoy your birds for who they are, I love mine, they are so sweet, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

 

[LindaN]

Thanks, LunaChick. That's a very true and reassuring response.

I've only had them a few days, so we'll see. One of them -- the one that looks the oldest -- has a bit more pointiness to her beak than the others, so hopefully that means the beaks should grow back in on all of them.

 

[JamesC]

thechickenfarmer:

Day old chicks, meant for commercial operations, are debeaked before shipping. It's meant to be a one time procedure, never having to be done again.
The debeaker cuts far enough back that the beak will never regrow, and cauterizes so there is no bleeding.

Just so you know the equipment can be purchased, not that you'd want to but, here's a link to Murray McMurray's site that shows the equipment that's used and a description of what it does.

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/product/electric_debeaker.html

James

 

[GAhen]

Great information...I had no idea what beck trimming was either.....

 

[thechickenfarmer]

Thanks, I understand why they do it but it's not for me. I was just looking for a easy fast way to add started pullets to my flock. I really think they would get picked on by my chickens so I need to find some from a local farm.

Jen