Chick Enrichment

[MilesFluffybutt]

Hello BYC Community!

Long story short... I walked into Tractor Supply, saw a cross-beak Silver Lace Wyandotte chick in the bin, decided I needed to give her a chance, and convinced management to sell her to me. I didn't press for a friend for her because I didn't count on her surviving, but here we are three weeks later, and she's thriving.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you all have on enriching her life because in all likelihood she will be a house chicken.

 

[FluffTheDuck]

@casportpony might know some tips. Poor girl! Do you want to name her?

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Oh, duh! I named her Hawke.

 

[sammyjw10]

Hello BYC Community!

Long story short... I walked into Tractor Supply, saw a cross-beak Silver Lace Wyandotte chick in the bin, decided I needed to give her a chance, and convinced management to sell her to me. I didn't press for a friend for her because I didn't count on her surviving, but here we are three weeks later, and she's thriving.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you all have on enriching her life because in all likelihood she will be a house chicken.

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I just commented on another post you were in showing this cutie. Was this chicken able to open its beak?

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

I just commented on another post you were in showing this cutie. Was this chicken able to open its beak?

I saw and replied to that thread. Yes, he can open his beak. If you have photos or videos, please share. Happy to help. Just need a visual.

 

[sammyjw10]

I saw and replied to that thread. Yes, he can open his beak. If you have photos or videos, please share. Happy to help. Just need a visual.

My chick isn’t really able to open its beak

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

My chick isn’t really able to open its beak

Thank you for posting the photo of your chick. A crossed maxilla (upper portion of beak) is a bit tougher to work with because it's stationary. The mandible (lower portion of beak) is the piece that moves. When you watch her, keep an eye on that lower portion to see if she's using it - to scoop food or water, preening, etc. The movements might be slight. If you're positive she isn't moving it, you should do a physical exam of the hinge points to feel if those are fused. If you can't tell, you could very, very, very gently try to open her beak by pressing down on the lower portion - just enough to see if it does move. I'd use a cotton swab. I'll try to dig up sources for a crossed maxilla. I have zero experience with it.