Eggasperated Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 Collected three new girls yesterday from Pegasus Poultry near Aberdeen; a Bluebelle, Gold Star and Amber Star. Angela at Pegasus is lovely and was very patient when I was choosing the girls however I was a bit disturbed to find all three had their beaks trimmed . Apparently Meadowsweet poultry (where the hens originated from) are still doing this. I had been waiting ages for the hens and hadn't known that their beaks would be like this; is it likely to cause any problems with my original girls who are not beak trimmed? I'm going to do the really slooooooooooow introduction thing anyway. Will they have any problems preening? Anything I should look out for? Unfortunately this has rather taken the shine off of getting new girls - hope someone can give me some reassurance . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 oooh what a shame, I know they do this for hens that are destined for the battery house but what on earth are they doing this for otherwise. Im no expert but normally this is done to prevent then pecking eachother in cramped conditions , Im sure someone will be along soon with more info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 My ex-bats have trimmed beaks and my original girls don't. It hasn't made any difference with the introductions so I wouldn't worry Tricia PS - and they preen as normal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knackered Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 I got mine from a medium sized poultry farm/breeder and their beaks are trimmed - i didn't really notice until we got them home - it was a bit sad really. I guess they sell them onto large commercial outlets as well as individuals. But it doesn't seem to bother them, they can eat and drink and give your fingers a good nip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 My ex-bats have trimmed beaks and my original girls don't. It hasn't made any difference with the introductions so I wouldn't worry Tricia PS - and they preen as normal Same here, first ex-batts didn't, second did. Three have grown back properly, one is still a bit shovel beaked, it's sad to look at them but they manage well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted August 3, 2010 Author Share Posted August 3, 2010 I have emailed Meadowsweet to ask why it's been done but I've been watching them and they seem to be managing eating and pecking about ok. Glad to hear it shouldn't be a problem between the two groups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
