clipping quail beaks...

[kansasquail]

i haven't ever clipped quail beaks before...but now my quail are going crazy with pecking and i bought a hand clipper and was wondering if i should clip the beaks when the quail hatch or should i wait an week or so to clip them? also i herd i should clip about 1/3 of the beak off i that true? thank you.

[Reeves]

If you have a pecking problem, you have other problems. Too many/too small a space. Diet. Other stress related factors. You should address the above problems & only clip if no other choice is available. And not 1/3rd. That would be far too much, without the heated type. The only place I've ever seen clipping has been those production "factories" for chickens.

[CharlieHorse]

I've never had the need to clip them.  As Reeves stated, overcrowding, diet, and stress.  Plus, too much light and not enough cover may play into it also.  I've been known to put a shovel full of sod (tall weeds, etc. in it) on something that the chicks can get up on in the brooder along with some pine limbs for cover. I heat with a baseboard heater, therefore I am able to dim or turn off the light entirely. If you are able, try turning down (dim) the lighting. Use a red or blue bulb.

[rustyd02359]

Hmmm I have 5-6 month old pheasant and one has a dwon curved beak. Was very long when it was a chic and I am thinking it will curl under, I am assuming I will need to clip this one at some point, not sure.

[Reeves]

Is the beak crossed ? It could be a deformity from too much inbreeding(and other factors). I'd not use this bird in any breeding program.
Pheasant has nice white meat......

[MtBullion Gamebirds]

Hey Reeves,
Does the crossed beaks always come from the breeding?  Or is there other reasons for it?  I have several in the last batch of bobwhites I got, never had much of a problem with it before.  Never had several in the same batch before.

[Reeves]

If I remember, I'll read up on it again so I get the facts straight....

[MtBullion Gamebirds]

   Thank-you.