Importance of debeaking in Pullets

 

Debeaking is a precision operation in which part of the upper and lower mandible (beak) is removed with an electrically controlled cauterizing blade having high temperature.

A chicken’s beak is constantly growing, much like our own hair and fingernails. Pullet management should be designed with the goal of meeting the recommended body weight and uniformity as per the breed standards. If these goals are met the pullet will be more likely to express its genetic potential. A key factor influencing the capability of the birds to meet this goal is the quality of debeaking and age at debeaking. Cannibalism is prevalent among the chickens of all ages and debeaking is the only way to prevent it. The pecking mortality may go up to 25 to 30% in the flock. It is a great financial loss to the farmers.

Debeaking must be considered as precision operation and experience is a great asset in doing it properly. Too often debeaking is done carelessly, or by not removing enough- which allows the beak to grow and eventually regain a near normal length.

Age and methods of debeaking

There are several methods of debeaking and several ages when birds can be debeaked. The age of debeaking will determine the procedure.

1. Block debeaking at 5 to 7 days:

This is the best procedure for pullets to be used for egg production. Most of the farmers are sceptical about debeaking their birds at this age. Kindly consult the hatchery or professionals for this.

2. Debeaking between 2 to 10 weeks:

Many farmers wait until the birds are 5 or 6 weeks of age or until they see the first traces of cannibalism in the flock before they debeak. This require a different procedure. However debeaking after 8 days of age creates a severe stress. Pullets are vulnerable for IBD outbreak between 3 to 6 weeks of age. Any stress at this age may lead to outbreak.

Electric debeaking machine can be used for this purpose. It is advisable to remove one-third to one-half of the beak. The lower beak should remain longer than the upper one. With 10 to 12 weeks and above old birds, it will be necessary to cut one beak at a time.

3. 16 to 18 weeks debeaking:

As a last resort, birds may be debeaked around this age. But do not remove as much of the beak. Debeak each mandible separately and the lower beak of pullets should be at least 0.3cm longer than the upper beak ‘to avoid feed wastage.’

4. Touch-up debeaking:

If the early debeaking has not been done properly, many beaks will partially grow back by the time the pullets are 8 to 9 weeks of age or older and will need to be ‘touched-up’ by another partial debeaking. This is a common procedure.

Points to observe during debeaking

1. A blade temperature of between 700 to 800°C.
2. Give antistress like Powervit/ Vitaflash/ Vitaminotrace oral before and after debeaking to relieve stress.
3. Do not de-beak under extreme temperatures. The best temperature is 20 to 25°C.
4. Remove the feed 4 to 5 hours before debeaking and give feed immediately after debeaking. When the birds are hungry, they will start eating directly afterwards; this stops possible bleeding.
5. Supply feed and water adequately immediately after debeaking. Increase the level of fed in feeder to prevent striking the bottom of feeder with its cauterization tender beak which would certainly be painful result into decreased feed consumption.
6. Change the blades regularly. Do not use old blades.
7. Always replace the new knife in the proper way, the straight side of the edge in front of you and the sloping side on the back side.
8. Use Vitamin K with the Vitamins.
9. It is recommended to check the beaks before production starts. Birds with too long beaks or very long lower beaks should be trimmed again.
10. Prevent the piling of chicks during the debeaking operation.
11. During the debeaking keep the tongue away with the index finger, between the upper and lower beak, to avoid burning.
12. Do not debeak during a vaccination period.
13. Never use sulpha drugs during debeaking. This may increase the bleeding.

Advantages and disadvantages of debeaking

There are advantages and disadvantages to debeaking. But certainly the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

Advantages:

1. Pecking is reduced.
2. Helps in preventing feather picking and cannibalism.
3. Feed efficiency is improved.
4. Liveability is better.
5. Lesser number of culls.
6. Uniformity of the flock is better.
7. It reduced egg breakage especially layers on deep litter.

Disadvantages:

1. Birds lose weight for 1 to 2 weeks after debeaking.
2. Growth rate is reduced after debeaking.
3. Late debeaking may slightly delay sexual maturity.
4. Irreparable damaged to the beaks affects the feed consumption and finally leading to conversions into culls and less production.
5. Starvation if the beaks are cut too closely.

Finally get experienced personnel for the operation and please don't rush when debeaking.

by Dr. Wageti