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. According to Practical Poultry Raising:
"The accepted procedure is to remove not more than half or two third of the upper beak and a one third or quarter of the lower beaks for Layers, while one third of the upper beak only should be trimmed for Meat chickens"
Beak trimming is most common in egg-laying strains of chickens. Beak trimming is a preventive measure to reduce damage caused by injurious pecking such as Cannibalism , feather pecking and vent pecking, and thereby improve livability. Commercial broiler chickens are not routinely beak trimmed as they reach slaughter weight at approximately 6 weeks of age, i.e. before injurious pecking usually begins. However, broiler breeding stock may be trimmed to prevent damage during mating. In some countries, beak trimming is done as a last resort where alternatives are considered not to be possible or appropriate.
COST:
The cost of debeaking a bird in Nigeria range from 10 to 20 Naira per bird. A professional should be contacted.
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| An Electric Debeaking Machine |
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