little upper beak

[keystonepaul]

I have a chick that was born with little upper beak and a normal lower beak. Probably 3/4 or closer to 4/5ths of the upper beak is missing. The chick is about 6- 7 weeks old now and is growing, looks good and other than being a bit behind (not terribly) in growth from it's fellow hatchlings. I figured the upper beak might grow a bit as the bird grew but the lower beak grew normally with the bird and the upper beak just formed a small rounded bit of growth. I watched the bird peck at scratch like a normal bird and not pick up any and do the same at the feed station with the pellets. I know it's eating somehow, but not effectively. I'm inclined to do nothing and let it go as is, but am wondering if trimming the lower beak would make things a bit better or a lot worse?? Any thoughts. My Son's pretty attached so as long as it acts normal and looks healthy she won't be culled. Thanks much Keystonepaul

 

[Imp]

I've read posts that people use a deeper feeder so that chickens with beak problems can scoop up food, rather than peck at it. Good luck.

Imp

 

[threehorses]

At 6-7 weeks, they should be on starter/grower rather than laying pellets. IS that what you're feeding? Or grower?

Also because he's behind in growth, I'd give him a nutritional booster once a day until he's caught up. Yogurt (1/2 teaspoon) to boost nutritional intake and D3 (for calcium absorbtion and rickets prevention and B vitamins for growth), some boiled/mashed egg yolk (freeze the rest sliced so you just pull out what you need). Two drops of PolyViSol vitamins in the beak (non-iron formula, please - see CVS as they apparently have it).

I'd suspect his lack of development is probably stemming from either a slow start or beginning nutritional inability to absorb. Thus the booster.