Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: Chicken star on November 24, 2010, 20:21

Title: Clipped Beaks.
Post by: Chicken star on November 24, 2010, 20:21
I am gutted about this.
However i bought a few White Sussex Hens from a poultry supplier not to long a go.
This morning after picking one of them up for a closer inspection i realised her top beak had been clipped back and then realised all the other White Sussex had too.
I know they usually do this in battery farms to stop them eating a lot and plucking their feathers out.
However, will this effect my girls in any other way?
Will they ever grow back?
I'm quite concerned.


Chicken Star
Title: Re: Clipped Beaks.
Post by: Haychee on November 24, 2010, 20:42
sounds awful, but I guess they must be able to eat enough to sustain themselves.  I wouldnt worry too much, just take comfort in the fact that they have now found you and a loving home  :)   I bet they can still manage a meal worm or three!!
Title: Re: Clipped Beaks.
Post by: CluckyChicken on November 24, 2010, 21:14
one of my friends chicken has a clipped top beak.  She is fine, very healthy, but just needs to make sure the food and water are readily availible and she will be fine!
Title: Re: Clipped Beaks.
Post by: GrannieAnnie on November 24, 2010, 22:09
Some breeders still clip beaks, even when its not necessary, but they can still eat and drink fine or they wouldn't do it, but if the beaks haven't been clipped too far back, they could re-grow!
Title: Re: Clipped Beaks.
Post by: orchardlady on November 24, 2010, 22:23
Breeders often clip beaks. I've never seen a really bad/severely clipped beak but whenever my POL hens come with 'nipped back' beaks I've found it's not a problem at all. The beak will grow just fine. As you said you had to look closely the clipping is probably not severe at all. Very occasionally I've had to 'trim' a beak with a pair of nail clippers.
Title: Re: Clipped Beaks.
Post by: Chicken star on November 25, 2010, 21:54
Thanks everyone!
I was really worried about this but as long as i know that it's not a problem for them i'm Happy  ::)