Age of Dubbing in Poultry

Correct Answer: 3 day old chick

Dubbing (removal of comb, wattles, and earlobes) is done when chicks are 3 days old. At this age, the tissues are soft and small, making the procedure quick and less stressful than at a later age.

Why at 3 Days?

• At 3 days, the comb and wattles are rudimentary (tiny) — easy to snip with surgical scissors with minimal bleeding.
• Older birds have a larger, more vascular comb — dubbing causes more bleeding and stress.

Age-Based Poultry Management Summary