Richard and Jo Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 We have previously had Omlet chickens and bought 3 chickens in the past from a Meadowsweet supplier. However, when we bought another chicken yesterday (Harriet) from a non-Meadowsweet supplier (we have been told they've gone bust), we noticed that they have all had their beaks trimmed. I was a bit scared to question it so just asked her if they had been as they looked a bit funny, to which we were told yes. The chickens were all kept in really good conditions, are vaccinated and we were happy with the supplier otherwise. Harriet's beak actually looks almost normal (which is why we chose her over others), but we were just wondering if anyone knew much about it, why it's done, and is it really bad to buy a beak-trimmed chicken! (ie. I'm not sure that I think it's necessary and I know Meadowsweet made a point of saying their chickens aren't beak trimmed). Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Well I think it's odd practice, trimming is carried out in egg production but I can't say this is usual. Could you name the supplier as I would be happy to ask them. BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley-Jean Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 It's to stop birds pecking each other. Which I don't think should happen in such young birds if they are kept in good conditions i.e. have sufficient space and an interesting environment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard and Jo Posted September 5, 2006 Author Share Posted September 5, 2006 Oops, spoke to Richard who I didn't realise had talked to her more about it. Yes, she said it was to stop them pecking each other and that it was done at a day old (although not by her, obviously from her supplier). It was just the tips of the top beaks that were done, and as I said, you probably wouldn't even notice Harriet had hers done. I just wish they weren't done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Yes LJ I wouldn't expect this. BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 I'm speculating wildly, so could be wrong.... It is a commercial breed, so maybe they are usually sold commercially ready-trimmed rather than as pets? See the Isa Brown thread.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 yes that's what I was thinking CC, I would like to think they would explain this, wouldn't you. BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mslaura Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 I got my hens through Omlet here in the US. They came from McMurray Hatchery and both had trimmed beaks, one more severely than the other. Six months later the beak of one hen has *almost* grown back, but the other's beak is still lopsided. She still has another centimeter or so to go on the top bill before it's even with the bottom. I was told that if the beak is trimmed too much that it will never grow back. I hope that's not the case! I think this is a very cruel practice. When I got my hens they could barely pick up food with their beaks. They are both gentle and have never pecked at one another. I certainly don't think it should be standard practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 I'm a wee bit surprised to hear that Omlet are using a supplier where beaks are trimmed.. is this really true? Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mslaura Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 I think since Omlet's US business is still fairly new, and this was one of the first batches of chickens supplied, there were still some kinks in the process. I did report the beak trimming to Omlet and they were very surprised to hear of it. They promised to complain to McMurray Hatchery to prevent this from happening again in the future with Omlet-supplied chickens. I don't know what the status is now though. I never heard anything else about it. Since it looks like I may lose one of my hens soon, I may find out sooner rather than later if the Omlet chickens are still getting their beaks trimmed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 I think since Omlet's US business is still fairly new, and this was one of the first batches of chickens supplied, there were still some kinks in the process. I'm sure - given Omlet's great track record in the UK and their obvious care for chickens, they will have sorted it out as soon as it was discovered... Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ouzel Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 I've just spoken to an omlet recomended guy up here in Scotland and he said all of there birds are de-beaked! I'm not sure i want to use him now but i'm having trouble getting hens else-where. He sounded really nice and was really helpful though so i may go just to have a look around and see what it's like. nikki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 I don't know how far you want to travel, but we get our chickens from this breeder: www.paulaspoultry.co.uk She's FAB! She's located down in the border, just outside Jedburgh, and it absolutely worth the trip down - her birds are well cared for, and she is always willing to share her knowledge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ouzel Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 We've been looking at her web-site and her hens look great I'm going to call her this afternoon. The guy that omlet recomended called me back today and is only about an hours drive away so we thought he'd be great, only when he mentioned cutting the beak off i started to change my mind! We've got an un-docked spaniel and have always been against chopping bits off of animals for no reason so I can't really change my views when it comes to chickens can I... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 If you have no joy with Paula, let me know and I'll have a check in the back of my Practical Poultry, and get you the details of other breeders near you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ouzel Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 Thank you so much for the offer, I've just sent hubby into smiths for this months issue much to his dismay! He said he felt a fool all dressed up in his suit buying a farmers magazine and wanted me to wait for the weekend when he can dress for the occasion!! And they say women are a nightmare with clothes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 Chookiehubbie got that fed up having to ask for it in Smiths, he got me a subscription for my birthday! If you are after an Orpington, by the way, Paula is the person to speak to - she breeds them, and has the most gorgeous, enormous Splash Orpington Cockeral, who comes and parades in front of visitors - he's stunning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
