3 week old chick - crossbeak / scissor beak getting severe - euthanasia?e

[Livingskies]

this little dude is 3 weeks old today. The crossbeak was noticeable within a couple days from hatch, but has been getting progressively worse. He / she is still eating and drinking normally and growth is fine. I have recently read about trimming the beak with guillotine per nail clippers, is this something that might be successful here? I imagine it would be stressful, so I don't want to do it if it won't help.

I do have to re-home the dude in 2-3 weeks, I have a good home lined up for them. I'm not sure that the owner would be willing to provide special care though. (The other chicks are unaffected).

My husband thinks we should just euthanize now as it's not going to ever heal, and he/she will likely start struggling with eating and drinking. He's also worried about the tongue being dry and uncomfortable. Your thoughts?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

I cull for cross beak as soon as I notice it... as you have noted things are getting worse with age.

Since you already know it's a cockerel who has to go... I would likely euthanize now.

I might be tempted to let it grow out knowing I would eat it anyways. But I also do NOT have the time or energy for special needs birds. I would avoid ANY chance of his genetics getting passed on in my flock or anyone else's. The world and my community do not need a bunch of deformed birds even if someone is willing to take them in.

From what I can see, and I'm no expert... that does not look like trimming will improve the condition. Have you already considered what method of euthanasia you will be using? While it's an unfortunate task... I do believe it is part of breeding responsibly and knowing we are doing the right thing for the greater good of the flock.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

I would not say putting him/her down was necessary. Chickens can live with crossbeaks if their food and water dishes are deep enough for then to dip their beak down in. Don't give up on the poor guy.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

I would ask around for anyone that would be willing to adopt him, even a bird or farm animal sanctuary before just murdering him. He deserves a chance. Chickens CAN live with crossbeaks, just don't use him for breeding. He'd make a fine pet for someone who'd love him despite his deformity.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

before just murdering him.

It's not murder, I'm sorry you feel that way. It's culling, euthanasia, dispatching, or processing... depending on the final outcome. Murder is something that humans do to another human. It's out of cold blood or anger. Not out of concern or caring.

It's also not giving up on them. It's making a difficult decision to do what the keeper thinks is right for them and their flock.

I kept the first deformed female bird I hatched after a power outage. The deformed male was got by a predator before his time to head to freezer camp. Never again.

There are lots of roosters without deformities looking for good homes too.

Bless your heart for you tender perspective!

Learning about life and death and how to accept them are key lessons on any farm. I'm thankful to have the skill to help out a hen should she ever face emergent need due to injury or illness. And so grateful to know where my food comes from and how it was treated every single day including that very last moment and even after wards.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

All I'm saying is please give him a chance to find him another home at perhaps a sanctuary that takes in farm animals. Or post an ad even. If you're sure you cannot find him a home at all, then do what you think is best. My mother used to have a crossbeaked chicken buddy. It did fine as long as it's water and food were deep enough for it to dip it's beak down in. Perhaps there's a little girl or an old woman who would take him and just love him to pieces. Just because he has a slight deformity doesn't mean he doesn't deserve the chance to be loved by someone.

 

[21hens-incharge]

As unfortunate as this birds condition is I would euthanize sooner rather than later.

It is a severe cross beak. If it were a slight cross I may feel diferently....maybe.

I agree with EggSighted4Life.

I am sorry you are dealing with this situation. I know it is not an easy decision to make.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

At least PLEASE try to find him a home before killing him.

 

[Livingskies]

It's hard enough to find homes for perfect cockerels around here.... Everyone wants pullets. I can wait a week or so to see if the comb gets more obvious. I have 2 from this hatch that are definite Cockerels , the rest I can't tell for sure yet.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I can wait a week or so to see if the comb gets more obvious.

In Salmon Faverolles the feather color is gender specific. Pullets don't turn black like that. Sorry of I'm mistaken breed.

Cross beak is genetic and not incubation related according to my research.

This year is the first time I have ever hatched cross beak. I found 3 of them, also at a later age like yours. All looked like perfect chicks and hatched on their own. I am working with a brand new breed (bantam Ameraucana), from a reputable source and selected the parent stock out of last years chicks. So it is hidden in my parent stock and I need to find out who. I haven't figure out if that means both parents are hiding it to pass on or maybe only 1. I won't know anything until the next time I'm ready to hatch again. Maybe not until next year.

I have 16 boys growing out right now to select from to replace my current rooster. Usually a couple will find homes and I will keep one or two. The rest will live awesome brief lives that serve a great purpose.