Debeaking

Debeaking, also called beak trimming is the partial removal of the beak of poultry, especially layer hens and turkeys although it may also be performed on quail and ducks. Most commonly, the beak is shortened permanently, although regrowth can occur. The trimmed lower beak is somewhat longer than the upper beak. USA's UEP guidelines suggest that in egg laying strains of chickens, the length of the upper beak distal from the nostrils which remains following trimming, should be 2 to 3 mm.(Curled from wikipedia.org)

The reasons for beak trimming in poultry is to reduced feather pecking and cannibalism, better feather condition,low flock uniformity, less fearfulness and nervousness, less chronic stress, and decreased mortality.

A precision beak trimming tools with 3 different sized holes of 3.5mm,4.0mm and 4.3mm decimeters may be used, or a hand scissors which must be sterilized before and after usage.

Prior to beak trimming operation, the machine should be cleaned and disinfected. Blades should be changed when necessary.

When trimming 6-10 weeks of age, trim (1/4(6mm))of the upper beak while the lower beak should be trimmed 1/8(3mm), Lower beak should remain longer than upper beak


Effect Of Debeaking On Feeding: Feed intake will decrease following beak trimming. To maintain normal feed intake the following measures should be taken

• Increase depth of feed in feeding pans and troughs to encourage birds to eat. it will also prevent birds from striking their just trimmed beaks on sides of the feeders thereby causing them additional stress.
• Increase protein level of your feed to compensate for reduction in feed consumption by the birds

Advantages of Debeaking

• Allow flocks to attain high uniformity
• Low mortality
• Efficient feed conversion ratio of feed/dozen eggs