Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Trimming Beaks

Periodically, I check beaks and trim off any overhang which can interfere with cracking seed and eating.

Older Border Hen With Overgrown Beak

Using a Human Fingernail "Trim" Cutter, Gently Snip Off the Overgrowth.

Much Better!

3 comments:

Brian Rowe said...

Linda, I have not yet had a bird with an overgrown beak, but I'm glad to know what to do when it happens.

Mary Anne Buckles said...

I have a Fife hen right now that has an overgrown beak on both he top and the bottom. I have trimmed this bird's beak before, about 2 months ago. Is there a nutritional issue I ought to consider? Could this be genetic? The bird is 2 years old and I didn't see this problem until about 6 months ago. Should I not breed this bird?

Linda Hogan said...

I trim both top and bottom to as normal shape as possible. The quicker you get on to trimming the better as if neglected it gets twisted and very deformed. I drop the protein in their diet. It has been hens that were bred that I have had with severe growth like the picture. They had plenty of egg food over several months. I have not continued breeding them as I have a number to chose from. Genetic?