A method and apparatus for automatically debeaking poultry. The apparatus includes a debeaking assembly. In a first stage, the debeaking assembly, including a debeaking element, is brought into proximity of the beak of a bird having its head held or restrained. In a second stage, the debeaking element is displaced relative to the debeaking assembly to debeak the bird. The beak may be cut by an upward movement of the debeaking element. In another embodiment, debeaking occurs due to downward movement of the debeaking member which cuts like a simple guillotine. In still another embodiment, upper and lower debeaking elements come together to cut the bird's beak. Another embodiment of the debeaking element may be used to perforate the bird's beak in order to destroy the nerve in the beak. The bird's beak may be cauterized after it is debeaked.
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