Chicken trimming

Other Reasons for Pecking and Fighting:

1. Calcium deficiency in the feed.
2. Ammonia gas presence in the house.
3. Chickens being overcrowded.
4. Too little or too much salt in the feed.
5. Sunlight entering the house.

Beak Trimming:

Beak trimming refers to cutting certain sharp parts of a chicken’s beak.

Beak Trimming for Chicks: In chicks, the process of trimming the beak is known as “beak trimming” (beaktrimming).

Why Do We Trim the Beak?

1. To prevent pecking and fighting during the day. We cannot control the intensity of light during the day, which leads to increased pecking. Thus, trimming is essential to prevent cannibalism (feather and toe picking).
2. To reduce feed wastage.
3. To improve Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR).
4. To bring uniformity in the flock. This helps improve overall uniformity among chickens.
5. Chickens tend to eat larger grains (like corn), but fine components like protein and other vitamins and minerals, which aid growth, are present in smaller feed particles. Beak trimming helps them access these nutrients.
6. To prevent egg-eating.
7. To avoid death due to cannibalism.

When Should Beak Trimming Be Done?

The timing of beak trimming depends on several factors:

1. Breeder/Commercial Layer:
   Breeder farms have better lighting systems and management practices, so chickens remain healthy, and beak trimming can be done at any time. However, in commercial farms, this luxury isn’t available, so the trimming process needs to be more carefully timed.
2. Chick Growth and Vaccination Schedule:
   Beak trimming should be avoided between 7-12 weeks of age since chickens grow rapidly during this period, gaining about 100 grams per week. If trimmed during this time, weight gain might be affected. Additionally, many vaccinations are given before 7 weeks, and trimming during this time can pose health risks.
3. Traditional Method/Correct Method:
   The traditional method involves trimming the beak first, followed by filing. The correct method is to trim first and then file.
4. Chicken Health/Stress:
   Beak trimming is difficult to do if the chickens are unwell. Additionally, if the temperature is above 35°C, trimming should be avoided.
5. Breed:
   Different breeds may require beak trimming at different times. For example, for Kazi Highline, trimming once between 7-10 days is sufficient, while in CP chicks, trimming is done at 9-12 weeks.
6. Duration on the Floor:
   The ideal age for trimming chicks is between 6-10 days. If not trimmed by this time, they should be filed.

For growing chickens, beak trimming is best done at 9-12 weeks to minimize stress. However, in many countries, beak trimming is done at 11-14 weeks, and in hatcheries, it is often done with lasers within the first 10-30 days. Beak trimming is banned in some countries.

Reasons to Avoid Beak Trimming Between 12-14 Weeks:
At this age, beak trimming causes more stress, and production might be delayed.

Beak Trimming Method:

If done correctly, trimming reduces the likelihood of future beak growth. If the trimming is followed by proper cauterization, bleeding will stop, and the chances of further growth will be reduced.

Trimming at a young age reduces the strain on the chickens. Incorrect trimming can make it difficult for chickens to eat.

Trimming Procedure:

1. Trim 0.2 cm from the front of the upper beak and 0.2-0.3 cm from the lower beak.
2. Both upper and lower beaks should be trimmed equally or the lower beak slightly longer.
3. The white part at the front of the beak should be cut off. Hold the beak in the machine for 2 seconds to trim.
4. For growing chickens, trim ½ to ⅔ of the upper beak and ¼ to ⅓ of the lower beak.
5. In breeders, male chicks should have their beaks trimmed to be equal.
6. The upper and lower beaks should be trimmed separately.
7. When using electric beak trimming machines, both cutting and cauterizing happen simultaneously.

Beak Trimming Machine:

1. Block Chick Trimming Machine
2. High-Speed Trimming Machine

When Not to Trim Beaks:

1. When the chickens are stressed.
2. 2 days before or after vaccination.
3. During significant weather changes.
4. When disease outbreaks occur.
5. When the chickens start laying eggs.
6. 2 days before or after the administration of harmful medications.

Precautions While Trimming Beaks:

1. Provide Vitamin K to the chickens 2 days before trimming.
2. Disinfect the trimming machine thoroughly.
3. Check the sharpness of the blades.
4. Ensure the blade temperature is checked before trimming.
5. Ensure no harm comes to the chicken’s eyes.
6. Trim during cooler times of the day.
7. Trim only by experienced professionals, as expertise is rare in the country.
8. Do not feed chickens 3 hours before trimming.
9. Do not use the same blade for trimming more than 20,000 chickens, and check the blade temperature (800-850°C, measured with a pyrometer).
10. After trimming, it is advisable to file the beak using cold water.

Post Beak Trimming Care:

1. If there are nipple drinkers, provide cup or trough drinkers as well.
2. Increase light exposure for 2-4 hours for 3-5 days.
3. Increase feed to reduce pain.
4. Increase the depth of water containers.
5. Add more protein to the feed.
6. Provide paracetamol in the water.
7. Offer Vitamin A, D3, E, or multivitamins.
8. If necessary, administer antibiotics.
9. Immune-stimulating agents can be used.
10. After 3 days, administer probiotics for 5-10 days.
11. Add Vitamin C, E, and amino acids.

Those who trim beaks should be careful not to trim too much or too little. If trimmed too little, the beak will grow back, leading to further pecking and fighting. If trimmed too much, chickens will eat less for about a month, causing weight loss and delayed production due to stress. This can lead to various diseases such as Pox, Marek’s, Ranikhet, Mycoplasma, and Enteritis.

After beak trimming, stress hormones (ACTH) are released, reducing the chickens’ appetite and water intake. They may avoid food and water for 2-4 days.