Beak filing/trimming

[Johannes]

I’ve spent most of my years flying tipplers. I never cared for colour, wing length, beak length, eye colour etc. my birds were judged in the air, how long they were up, if they kitted tightly, whether they were the first to drop etc. Sparrow hawks have finally seen an end to my tippler days. It became too heart breaking and depressing counting the birds in after each flight and being reminded of the loss by an empty perch.
So…to American Show Racers and, maybe, a step in to showing. I haven’t a clue re tricks of the trade. Always felt tipplers were fact and showing opinion.
Someone pointed out my birds’ beaks need trimming to take the hook off. When I researched this further, I find that some fanciers trim the squabs’ beaks in a practice I liken to docking dogs’ ears and tails.
Long story and I digress.
This old cock bird has a hook and the upper and lower beak parts do not meet. It’s a fault and doesn’t look great. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.