This reduces the birds' ability to do damage but does not stop the tendency toward cannibalism. Debeaking can be done by removing a portion of the upper beak only. With an electric debeaker, remove approximately half of the upper beak and cauterize the cut with the hot blade. In a small flock, debeaking can be done with a sharp knife or toe nail clippers, but the beak must not be cut deep enough to cause bleeding. Egg Handling Eggs should be gathered at least twice each day.
More frequent gathering is recommended during hot or cold weather.
When eggs are allowed to accumulate in the nest, they are more easily broken by the hens. This encourages egg eating which is another habit that you don't want to develop. Dispose of any hen that learns to be an egg eater. It is better to leave eggs dirty than to wash them in cold water. Separate cracked and dirty eggs from the other eggs.