Beak trimming |
|
|
|
Beak trimming, or ‘debeaking’, involves partial amputation of the beak in order to prevent or reduce feather pecking and cannibalism. It is traditionally performed by removing one-third to one-half of the upper mandible and sometimes also a part of the lower one with a heated blade. It should be done when the birds are young (6-9 days). If it is done later, the birds develop neuromas at the cut tip and hypersensitivity in region as a result. Beak trimming is banned in some countries, e.g. Sweden, whereas in other countries new methods such as bio laser and infrared amputation methods are being tried. |
||
 |
||
| Nine day old pullet chick just beak trimmed in the now typical way in several European countries & meeting the requirements of EU Council Directive 1999/74/EC - "Member States may authorise beak trimming provided it is carried out by qualified staff on chickens that are less than 10 days old and intended for laying". Photo: Arnold Elson | ||
 |
||
| The same animal 20 weeks old. Photo: Arnold Elson | ||
 |
||
| Beaktrimming of pheasant chick. Photo: Jørgen B. Kjær | ||