Chick beak overbite?

[Rethia]

Backstory, these are Icelandic chicks (pure) and ice noticed that these chicks "bite" me more. It's not malicious and I wasn't sure why but I was holding Waffles (pictured below) and I noticed her top beak is overhanging the bottom. I checked the other chicks and about half seem to have similar beaks and a half have "normal" beaks where the top is closer in length to the bottom, but still has a little overhang.

Is this a problem? I have noticed that these chicks have more trouble with the chick crumble than any breed I've had before. I had to blend the crumble to make it finer for the first week worth of food and more recently, I've given them lightly watered chick crumble the last few days and they will devour it. Full crops, the whole bit. They have no trouble drinking, but seems to have some trouble even now with the crumble. I don't know if it's in my head or if it is a legitimate issue that ends correcting? Originally I thought it might be because they're a bit smaller breed, but now I'm not sure. I want my chickies to thrive.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I've definitely had chicks with more of an overbite, as you call it. Never really thought much of it. I think different birds just have different beak conformation. It's interesting that you noticed they have a harder time with crumble, but it makes sense!

I own a Magic Bullet for breaking down chick food. The bantams needed it blended for almost 3 weeks (), but it allows them to eat so much more. I promise your chicks will outgrow the need for special food prep!

 

[Rethia]

I've definitely had chicks with more of an overbite, as you call it. Never really thought much of it. I think different birds just have different beak conformation. It's interesting that you noticed they have a harder time with crumble, but it makes sense!

I own a Magic Bullet for breaking down chick food. The bantams needed it blended for almost 3 weeks (), but it allows them to eat so much more. I promise your chicks will outgrow the need for special food prep!

Thank you, that helps to know!! I do think they've been undereating because they attack the blended chick starter hard and go from almost empty crops to full in ten minutes. I can't decide if I should just process it all so they can free forage or leave the normal size and keep feeding them partially broken down.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Thank you, that helps to know!! I do think they've been undereating because they attack the blended chick starter hard and go from almost empty crops to full in ten minutes. I can't decide if I should just process it all so they can free forage or leave the normal size and keep feeding them partially broken down.

Your chicks look really young, so I would just break it all down for them. Once their bites start to hurt, I’d start testing them will full crumb! Like I said, mine took about 3 weeks to graduate.

 

[Perris]

I noticed her top beak is overhanging the bottom. I checked the other chicks and about half seem to have similar beaks and a half have "normal" beaks where the top is closer in length to the bottom, but still has a little overhang.

Is this a problem?

No it isn't. It is normal and it helps birds preen and pick off any ectoparasites they pick up. If they have access to hard surfaces like stone, ordinarily they will abrade their own beaks to the length they prefer.