Valkyrie Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Does anyone know what causes this? I've just noticed - and I'm really angry with myself that I didn't see it before - that both the newbies have overgrown beaks on the top. I managed to coax them to eat and drink while I was close to them and was able to observe how they dunked their heads in their water dish - have been using the little cage pots - and now I know why they get through so much so quickly - excess is splattered everywhere! In fact they look like pelicans when they drink and I can hear them glugging it down. I didn't particularly like the breeder in any case. And is there anything I can do to help them - they are definitely eating no problem but the drinking was rather unnerving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Here you go http://www.pathfindersfarm.com/Beaktrim.html Good luck. I've done claws don't fancy a beak so I won't be popping over to help you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 That's a shame Val. It's not easy to trim a beak; takes two people as the hen will shake her head Use a pair of the plier type of nail clippers (very sharp) and an emery board, you will also need vet wound powder or some cornflour to staunch any bleeding. The quick is very close to the end of the beak and easily nicked (that's why breeders who trim battery hens' beaks use a hot wire to cauterise it). Trim small amounts off and file until you get a good looking shape, you may find that they are a bit short on the lower beak, so the upper one will grow again and need to be re-trimmed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 Thanks girls. I will have to wait till they have settled down and are more tame. I think they have been stressed enough at the mo. Although it may be the bottom beak growing up so that the beak doesn't close - hard to tell - I just thought oh dear top! Reminds me of Foghorn Leghorn talking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 And isn't Youtube a mine of information - didn't think to look there until Plum gave a link. But now I'm not sure. I have seen a blackbird doing very nicely on our old allotment and he only had half his top beak - he scooped up worms easily. And now I'm not so sure about my newbies. I think I need a much closer inspection to see what needs doing. But at the moment they are eating and drinking so it's a case of not rushing in for the time being. Just like to see how to sort problems before taking action - if any! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 My girl with the crossed beak manages fine Val, I just trim it every now and then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 Cheers DM. You coming to the show this weekend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 No, sorry. Got too much on. Do enjoy yourselves though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 Will save a big hug for you next time I see you then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Great I'll hold you to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Hi Valkyrie. It would be the lower beak is longer than the top if their beaks have been cropped to stop feather pecking and cannibalism. If they are reared in poor conditions that's how commercial guys treat them to deal with it. You do say you didn't like the breeder and possibly for good reason. Beak bits are an alternative usually used on game pheasants. Bottom beak can't be trimmed (tongue sits in it) and often the top doesn't grow back properly so they always make a mess eating and drinking -that's my experience with Black Rocks anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 She's bought pure breeds Beantree, so it is highly unlikely that they have had their beaks trimmed, but you sometimes find chickens with an overlong upper beak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 Yep, they are pure breeds, neither bottom nor top beak has been chopped or clipped by the looks. They have plenty of water today and food is fine. Definitely longer at the top - like Fagin noses! Although not that out of place otherwise I'm sure I would have spotted that they looked big, and longer than Apaches beak was. But otherwise they seem to be settling down nicely. Gave them a quick stroke at bedtime last night, but didn't overdo it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 Saw Redders at the show and was greatly reassured. I did notice the other night while grabbing them to put them in with the others that the beaks had been worn down somewhat and didn't quite look as bad as they had been. I think they've been wearing their own beaks down while free ranging. They've done a terrific job on the veggie beds! Then I saw the orpie paddling in a big puddle and dunking her head! For a while they'd been using the glugs but this is delicious rainwater and mud. Ah well!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Puddles really are tastier than nice clean water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 Yup, not that nasty healthy stuff that's added for their well being. Mud and pigeon poop and goodness knows what else Plumsie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
