a general guide to beak trimming game birds and duck debilling - Lyon

Bulletin 281-145 Page Four
PHEASANT PRECISION BLOCK DEBEAKING:
(CONTINUED) While this method is unproven at this
time, if successful, it would be a one time permanent
beak trim such as on layer chickens. The savings in
less stress and labor costs for additional beak
trimming would be significant. For full information on
6-10 Precision Block Debeaking of layer chicks, send
for our Bulletin number: 281-119.
DUCK DEBILLING: Feather pulling causing loss of pin
feathers, bloody wing tips and scratched backs are a
problem in raising ducks. Proper bill trimming can
overcome this. Two types of debilling are used and
both are summarized below.
DAY-OLD DEBILLING: The BHT Attachment (Catalog
Number 940-006) is used on the Debeaker® for this
method of debilling. The height adjustment screws on
the attachment are adjusted to allow the duck's upper
and lower bill to be placed on the beak support tube.
The heat of the blade is adjusted to a dull red color (in a
subdued light). The upper and lower bill are not allowed
to separate. Slight pressure under the lower beak using
the forefinger may be necessary. The closed bill is placed
on the beak support and moved forward into contact with
the blade. The area seared is on the UPPER BEAK ONLY
and includes the nail or bean and extends to the tip of
the upper bill. If trouble is experienced in clean removal
of the nail, tilt the head down slightly to finish the
operation. While high rates of production are possible
using this method, close attention to a proper searing of
the upper bill area is necessary. Failure to properly sear
and remove the nail completely will defeat the purpose
and negate the higher rates of production advantage.
DEBILLING AT 3 DAYS OF AGE: Debilling at 3 days is
done using a cutting blade on the Debeaker®. The
Debeaker® may be foot pedal operated or operated by
a Pow-R-Pak Power Unit using a “Hen” cam. When ducks
are debilled at 3 days of age they are slightly debilled
with only 1/2 of the upper nail being removed. Bill
regrowth will usually reoccur using this method.
DEBILLING AT 7 DAYS OF AGE: Tests in past years
tend to prove that severe debilling at 7 days of age is
the most effective way to reduce feather pulling,
scratching, etc. The Debeaker® uses a cutting type
blade and may be foot or power unit operated as in 3
day old debilling. The cut is made about 3/4 of the way
back on the nail as shown in the illustration. Ducks
debilled in this manner will rarely have the bill grow back
completely in less than 7 weeks.