Beak conditioning
Commercial poultry beak conditioning, which includes beak trimming, should be practiced only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism. Only trained and monitored personnel should perform beak conditioning, using proper equipment and procedures that minimize or avoid pain and distress, prevent excessive bleeding, promote rapid healing and prevent infection. The AVMA encourages the development of welfare-friendly alternative practices, including genetic selection, or management of light or nutrition, which may reduce or eliminate the practice of beak conditioning.