Chick with upper beak longer than lower

[Keeperofmunchkins]

I recently got some day old chicks and I noticed one of the silkies has a beak with the top part noticeably longer than the bottom. She is five days old and appears to have hatched this way. Is this normal and will it grow to be more even?

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Hi. Unless it is noticably having issues eating it looks ok to me. They are still in growing mode. I have a cross beak silkie that I just keep watch and trim (file) as needed, she is months old by now. Good luck.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

You could file it if you would like.

 

[BantyChooks]

I wouldn't file it at all. Chicks don't have very much extra keratin and any attempt to shorten it will cause pain and bleeding. It appears to be a slight malformation that may require filing at a later date, if the beak halves don't meet in a way that allows the bird to file it down themselves on rocks. As is, it should not cause the bird any issue.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

I wouldn't file it at all. Chicks don't have very much extra keratin and any attempt to shorten it will cause pain and bleeding. It appears to be a slight malformation that may require filing at a later date, if the beak halves don't meet in a way that allows the bird to file it down themselves on rocks. As is, it should not cause the bird any issue.

I agree, I should have been more specific. At this point it’s fine, but if it gets worse with age, then I would recommend filing it.

 

[BantyChooks]

I agree, I should have been more specific. At this point it’s fine, but if it gets worse with age, then I would recommend filing it.

That makes more sense! Thank you for clarifying.

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Thanks for the replies! It always seems the top beak of chickens grows faster than the bottom part so I'm concerned it will get worse with age, but I will definitely trim it down when she or he is older. I have an indoor rooster whose beak I have to file down regularly so I'm OK with that.

 

[Ebony Rose]

A box of good sized rocks with feed mixed in will encourage some self-filing of their beak as well.