Chicken boarders

[bennett]

Broody is happily s"Ooops, word censored!"ping around on grass now with her 5 day old chicks however the top of her beak has grown over her bottom bit and is clicking when she closes it. She seems to be eating and drinking fine, although still a bit pale but her comb is starting to pink up nicely. Should i trim it???? And how exactly do i do this?????? or should i just leave it to wear down again?? Also her nails are VERY long should i do these at the same time. ??

[The Dogmother]

Generally, they will be kept in trim with normal wear and tear. Unless fo course the hen is a newly rescued ex-batt or has a crossed beak.

 

It's very tricky as the quick on their beak is very close to the end - that is one piece of chicken fettling that I leave to my vet as he has a silver nitrate pencil to staunch the bleeding.

[Jools]

My first two bantams came beak-clipped and always had a problem with their bottom lip growing too long - they had permanent pouts! We were able to trim the back successfully - the trick is to do it very carefully, a bit at a time and to stop before you think you should