observations on 6-10 day old precision beak trimming b281 ... - Lyon

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Some operators prefer the gauge without the cooling tube and feel the hot gauge aids in the cauterization process. You
should know however that a properly heated blade will approach 1400 o F and over a period of operation can raise the
gauge temperature to 600-1000 o F which can easily burn the operators fingers. When beak trimming this way the operators
finger should be taped for protection. The position of the gauge (regardless of the one used) to the blade is very
important. It should be centered on, and be square with, the blade and adjusted to the inside to a point tat the blade
strikes the back of the gauge slightly as it comes down. This produces a scissor action on the beak and makes a square
cut. You will note that the top edge of the gauge is bent out at an angle to allow the blade to complete the action without
jamming the blade and gauge.
The gauge is made of stainless steel and is quite thin. It must be this way. Too thick of a gauge would cause areas of the
gauge to sear any area of the beak it is in contact with and would not be flexible enough for good scissors action.
Finally-but of utmost importance-it is at this point that a lot of poor precision beak trimming takes place. The birds beak
should be inserted into the hole with the birds head square and straight with the gauge. How the head is held is how the
beak trimming will be done, square or crooked, (This is why we emphasize operator and Debeaker positioning). The
beak should be held in this position THE ENTIRE TIME THE BLADE IS IN CONTACT WITH BEAK. Failure to do this will result in
improper cauterization time. The growth of the beak roots will not be inhibited properly and the beak may grow out again.
If this does occur another beak trimming will required. A handrest will aid greatly in holding the bird properly and steady
during the beak trimming operation.
THE BLADE: The blade most often used for precision beak trimming is the BC type. It has two cutting edges so that when
one edge becomes dull it can be turned over and the other edge used.
The blade is mounted so that the FLAT EDGE of the cutting edge used is towards the operator (the beveled edge is away
from the operator). This produces the scissor action discussed in the paragraph on the gauge. We are amazed at the
amount of people who mount the blade with the beveled edge towards the operator.
When the blade is mounted wrong, the cutting takes place away from the gauge hole (Blade thickness and the balance
of the beak is literally seared off to the back of the gauge. A mutilated beak results, often with tenderness to the beak
that inhibits eating for the life of the bird. A needless loss.
We stressed the point that the birds head must be square and straight during the beak trimming and cauterization
process. If the birds head is not square, a blade cut made at an angel can leave a sharp protrusion that negates the
whole value of beak trimming as the bird still has an effective means to peck despite the end of the beak being gone.
DETERMINED BLADE TEMPERATURE BY COLOR: When the precision beak trimming method was first introduced, the innovator
said the blade must be “Cherry Red”. It didn’t take too long to find however, that what one person called “cherry red”
was considerably different from another. We found that the difference between peoples interpretation of “cherry red”
resulted in temperature differences by measurement of up to 600 o F.
When the blade is first heated (each time, new or old) it builds up resistance to current as it heats up. This increase of resistance
lowers the current flow through the blade up to 6% when it becomes completely hot. For this reason a slight readjustment
of color may be required about 5 minutes first being turned on.
Another factor to consider in determining blade color vs. temperature is that a new blade is bright in color when new. As
it heats, oxides are produced on its surface causing the blade to become a dull color. It is the color observed on an oxidized
blade that is most accurate in determining temperature. Once a setting is determined for use it should be left there.
The only change necessary would be if the line voltage for the Debeaker should drop and stay lower for a period of time.
A new contact high temperature thermometer which can accurately and quickly measure precise blade temperature is
now available from Lyon at a reasonable cost. It enables you to set your Debeaker (s) at the correct temperature setting
and to maintain that temperature for optimum results. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS DEVICE TO ALL USERS! Inquire
about Catalog# 500-025.