Diary of a Crossbeak: Support for Special Needs Chickens and their Keepers

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I'm not against it at all. He goes everywhere with me.
<grin> My sisters are planning a camping trip in the next few weeks. I SO want to bring my entire flock of 27 with me. I can just imagine the reaction to six roosters crowing in the morning! I can then appease my angry camp mates with fresh eggs for breakfast. Of course, with only 4 hens laying, I might end up with some roasted roosters. That is one way to solve my "too many roosters" problem!!!
Seriously, I now have to ask how to keep Cadburry with me. Will a harness work for a chicken? I saw that someone said it did, but she may have been teasing since it was in "things you never thought you would say until you had chickens" forum.
 
If you are afraid of her running off, I would use a cat carrier and a playyard for toddlers and cover the top with a sheet and close pins. Andthing to to keep him safe. Be creative. If you want to take him you will think of something.
 
I am so lucky. I don't have to worry about mine running off scared. We are camping now with 2 strange large dogs and Blue is fine. He keeps his distance and and sometimes its pretty entertaining but he is happier with me.
 
My special chick is not doing well. It is almost 4 weeks ols but less than half the size of the others.
It seems to have more anomalies every day. I though it was just because it walks different due to it's missformed legs. Now i am not sure. It seems to eat and drink well. Just takes it so much to move. It and the one I have in with it got soaked this evening. The paper they were on acted like a wick after somehow getting in the water. Special chick got chiled and I thought i had lost it. It is now rught here with me after a warm bath and wrapped up to get warm.
I am worried...
 
My special chick is not doing well. It is almost 4 weeks ols but less than half the size of the others.
It seems to have more anomalies every day. I though it was just because it walks different due to it's missformed legs. Now i am not sure. It seems to eat and drink well. Just takes it so much to move. It and the one I have in with it got soaked this evening. The paper they were on acted like a wick after somehow getting in the water. Special chick got chiled and I thought i had lost it. It is now rught here with me after a warm bath and wrapped up to get warm.
I am worried...

What is wrong with your little ones legs? I hope he can overcome his disabilities!

Well, I have another crossbeak youngster and it didn't show up until recently. he is going on 3 months old. It is another silkie.
 
Hi everyone I have two crossbeak americonas they are really sweet. I have just the two of them in a pen together and they eat out of a deep dog pan. I always keep it full to make it easier for them to eat. They are about 4 months old and their beaks are growing long. What is the best way to take off the extra beak I have asked some people and one told me to get dog nail clippers the other told me to use a bench grinder to grind it down. I want to get some other people's Ideas before trying anything. If anyone has any suggestion I would love and appreciat all the info. Thank you much.
 
I use the pedipaws that is used for dog toe nails. Works great for mine here. Mine strangely freak out with the clippers but are alot calmer with the pedipaws. I take the plastic cap off and just grind away what is needed.
 
What is wrong with your little ones legs? I hope he can overcome his disabilities!

Well, I have another crossbeak youngster and it didn't show up until recently. he is going on 3 months old. It is another silkie.
One leg wont come forward. I have tried so many splints and nothing helped, just made it more miserable for the bird. I finally gave up. So this little one has one leg that just sticks out in back. the toes seem ok, but the leg wont go forward. Then his other foot has curled toes and I wrap/splint them but it always gets it off in a couple days. once I got one to stay on for a week but the toes didn't change at all. This chicks breastbone pulls off to one side, I think from it leaning to compensate for the leg.
i got so worried when it got wet and chilled the other night.
Silly thing spills any water I give it and loves to climb in the wet. could this be from me bathing it?
I can't help doing that the poor thing gets "stuff" all over it from scooching around on its tummy.
it loves being held wrapped in the towel (washcloth ) after it's bath. I have now moved it to a box and only give water when I can watch to prevent any more chill incidents
It loves canned cat food, so I pour a bit of water over some, and it eats that really well.
Some days i am amazed that this chick is still here! It seems very determined.
I used to have a house duck i am hoping the harness/diaper will fit a chicken.
If not I guess I can order or make one again.
It is nice to know i am not the only bird nut on the block.
Yesterday I got so worried about the heat I just had to come home and check on my girls!
My daughter text me from where she was asking if they had the sprinkler on as she was also worried.
Guess we are just bird nutty around here!
 
I wouldn't worry too much about him, Puddin. If he was going to have problems, he probably already would. My main flock rooster has a slightly twisted head much like yours and he is a year and a half old and never had any issues. He is mostly free range.

Thought I would post a pic of the "ugliest" chick ever: my man Spaz, he is going through Chick-a-saurus stages right now so he is even funnier looking, but seems to be pretty healthy and feisty. He is pretty messy when he eats.


You really are a good hearted old fart. That is a very lovable boy you have. Can you keep us up to date with his pics?
Thank you
 

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