Chick with dislocated jaw (NOT crossbeak!!)

[crazyfowlchick]

Hi there.... hoping someone can help. I have a three week old EE chick who dislocated its lower jaw today (upper beak is fine)

. This baby was fine yesterday....this is most definitely NOT a case of crossbeak /scissorbeak - I've had birds with that ailment. This is definitely an injury. Can anyone tell me how to help this baby, or point me in the direction of someone who can? I'd really appreciate it!

 

[Kiki]

Hi there! I'm not sure what can be done for her jaw, but I wanted to welcome you and keep any eye on this thread to see what others have to suggest.
Welcome to BYC.
This video should help you find your way around the site better, enjoy!

 

[TattooedChicks]

Besides wrapping her in a towel and gently attempting to push/pull the lower piece back into place, I'm not sure what can be done beside euthanasia, especially if anything was broken during the dislocation. I'd attempt a downward and back stretch like a yawn and then coax it to the side once the ends of the jaw are free to slide in place.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Oh my gosh! Your poor chick! This is my first time seeing something like this and unfortunately I have no firm answer either.

My thought is...IF you can correct the lower jaw...very much like TatooedChicks mentioned...
1) You won't know if anything's broken...that looks quite extreme.
2) How do you stabilize the jaw and allow the chick to eat?
3) Even tubing would require opening the mouth.

I've set broken lambs' legs (edited to add - that I've set broken lamb legs AFTER I'd assisted my vet set one of my lamb's legs)...it has to be done with precision and the leg is immobilized so it can heal. If the set isn't perfect, it ends up in quite a mess. I had to put down a friend's lamb that had a broken leg and it didn't heal.

I prefer to be positive....I'm just trying to be realistic about possible concerns. I hope someone can give a better outlook/know what to do.

Did you see what happened to the chick for this to happen?

 

[Abriana]

So sorry about the chick. I will be praying

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Sorry your chick is having trouble. That looks painful.

Last year I dislocated my elbow. It HURT so bad when they put it back in! And they had it in a splint for several weeks to prevent movement of the joint while the ligament/tendons or whatever healed. Despite it being 9 months or so, it still hurts a little to push a shopping cart. So I don't know how well it will work out for this chick who will be opening and closing the beak for every single bite but also pecking at things with some blunt force.

I agree with @TattooedChicks suggestions, unless you can find a vet and afford to take the chick in. Visit is $49 at mine + any tests and such. I will add that aspirin is the pain reliever used for chickens but I have NO idea of dosage. Also, if you are going to attempt relocation I would suggest loading the chick up with vitamins and probiotics to help combat shock. You should probably be feeding a wet mash or soft foods... maybe. Scrambled eggs are high in protein, micronutrients, and usually enjoyed by this age.

Wish I could be more help!

 

[Abriana]

use baby aspirin, and for a hen the dosage is 1/2 or 1/3 of a tablet so for a chick do a fourth or so. You can also dissolve it in water and give it to her through an eye dropper

 

[Elowynn]

What ever happened to this little one? I habe a 5 week old chick that was just attacked by a puppy. No blood but it' jaw looks dislocated or broken and idk what to do.

 

[mew317]

Give it a week or so cause it could be scissorbeak. We’ve done the same with a crossbeak/scissorbeak rooster named Digger. He ate and drunk perfectly.

 

[Elowynn]

Give it a week or so cause it could be scissorbeak. We’ve done the same with a crossbeak/scissorbeak rooster named Digger. He ate and drunk perfectly.

It' not scissor beak. She was fine then got attacked and now her mouth is just hanging open.