Beak trimming of chickens, turkeys, pheasants, and other gallinaceous birds should be practiced only when necessary to prevent feather picking, fighting, and cannibalism. If alternative methods are available, such as genetic selection or management of light or nutrition, they are preferable. If beak trimming is necessary, it should be performed only by trained personnel, using precision automated equipment, when birds are 10 days of age or younger. Retrimming of beaks is not recommended after birds are 8 weeks old.