2 wk old chick with lower mandible (beak) shifted to side

[kkingston]

I noticed yesterday that 2 week old Araucana chick has been ?injured? or perhaps developed deformity. Lower part of beak is shifted at a ~30 degree angle off to the side, the top and bottom do not meet. She seems to be eating and drinking, as her health, attitude are good. But, is there anything I can do to help fix this? How could this have happened? What is the long term projected health of her? Would love any information anyone can give me. I have never seen this before. Thank You!!!

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
sounds like crooked beak. I have one and shes 5 months old and is great-she eats and drinks and is actually one of the prettiest ones from that bunch-there are lots of people on here who have those birds and their unfortunate deformities:-( type in "crooked beak" in the search section you'll get lots of answers and posts about it.

 

[teach1rusl]

Won't affect her eggs or her meat (if you eat your chickens) as long as she's able to eat and drink well. Some folks have had chickens with severe cases of crooked beak/cross beak that could not eat well, and slowly starved to death (w/feathers it's hard to tell weight loss unless you pick your birds up often). So keep a watch on her that she actually IS eating/drinking well, not just trying to do so. I don't think you would want chicks by her either, as I would think that trait/deformity could be passed on (although I don't know this for certain).

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
yes, do NOT use to breed-but as an egg layer-for sure-thats what Im using mine for-an EE pullet.

 

[Backyard Hencam]

Ohhh, that's too bad. Good news is I've heard they can live a normal life as long as they get the nourishment they need! Good luck!

 

[Soccer Mom]

I have two happy, healthy girls with crooked beaks. Occasionally the beaks wear funny and need a bit of trimming to meet better, but other than that they don't need any special care. I would think long and hard about keeping one alive if it needed a lot of special care. You would really have to be dedicated for the long term.

I have spoiled one of the girls though. She eats her crumbles fine, but has trouble foraging or grabbing her share of threats. She's actually learned to meet me around the corner after I hand out treats to the others. She gets her own "special" handout that she doesn't have to fight for.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. She should be OK.

 

[Gonzo]

from Indiana!