[jakatak]

Hi, I have got a 22 week old Warren who had a larger lower mandible overhang of about half an inch, I was told to trim with dog nail trimmers and to shine a torch to see where the blood vessels reached, I took a tiny weeny bit off but it still started to bleed, she seems to be eating slightly better but still has a massive difference, I've lost my nerve now in case I may hurst her.  Any help or advice most welcome.

[Tigerwren]

Hi Jakatak,
could you maybe try using a nail file and then you could control how much you are taking off. It might be that she doesn't actually need any taking off if she can eat properly and drink.  Good luck.

[Aunt Sally]

Had she had her top beak trimmed before you got her ?

[jakatak]

thank you for suggestions, she does have more trouble than the others at picking up food and she is the smallest, but I dont think they had anything done before we got them but in truth, could be sure they were 18 wk POL pullets.  I think i will get a metal nail file and try a bit at a time.

[PaulineM]

One of our girls had a longer lower beak, I think she had been de-beaked when we got her. 
Anyway we used sand paper to trim her bottom beak as it was quite square. We only did this the once and 8 months later her top beak is still maybe 3mm shorter than her lower beak but it is getting there. 

[compostqueen]

I just had my girl to the vet to do it as you need a very steady hand and it's important to ensure that the trimmed beak is smoothed perfectly or the bird will be driven mad.  It cost me £10 but it was worth it for the peace of mind   

[jakatak]

Thank you all for your tips.  I am going to go down the sandpaper route but if it bleeds again, I will get the vet to do it 

[compostqueen]

The beak didn't bleed at all.  I don't think it should! 

You have to be careful with your birds - you don't want to hurt them!