If birds are grown to maturity, this method often results in the lower mandible growing undesirably long. Any upper mandible growth might also be retrimmed at this time. Figure 2 shows this type of cut. A third method is called block trimming. It is desirable to make both of these latter types of cuts with an electric trimmer.
Some procedural steps are important in the trimming process.
They are as follow. If a dog nail clipper or knife is used, remove only the portion of the upper beak that is free of blood supply. Heat the trimming blade to a cherry red before work begins. The trimming blade should not be too hot, too cold or dull. An excessively hot blade causes blisters in the mouth.