Is my pekin bantam male or female?

[bellschicks]

Hi All

 

Just wanting some advice I have bought a POL sussex, we noticed that the top of her beak is shorter than the top? Breeder said its breed into them to stop them pulling feathers out.

 

Has any body heard of this?

 

Thanks

Gemma

[Egluntyne]

Not heard this explanation before. I have had a hen with a beak as you describe. She managed perfectly well.

[Snowy]

That sounds like a bit of a tall story to me Their beaks grow and get worn down by their pecking, so have they bred a bird with a non growing beak? Hm ... I don't think so (but am prepared to be reeducated!). Some do have deformed beaks that deviate to either side, if it's just short it will probably grow back again. If it doesn't, I suppose it could be wearing unevenly so the top is always shorter. Will be interesting to see how she progresses

[Plum]

Don't know about bred into them, I know they are trimmed. I understand it doesn't affect them and they feed and forrage normally.

[Lavenders_Blue]

Hmm, it does sound like she might have been beak trimmed

She will manage fine eating, drinking etc.

[Gelbel]

I am pretty sure it will grow back - when I first got Rita she had a chip in her beak but it was OK within weeks. I should imagine beaks are like finger nails - but a lot more robust.