Crooked bill

[KirstenJL]

Hi all,

This is Kiwi, a true Araucana who is rumpless, tufted, and is 12 days old in these pictures. After taking these pictures, I noticed his/her bill seems slightly crooked and misshapen. He seems quite vigorous and healthy, but perhaps a bit skinnier than his siblings. I haven't watched him eat so I don't know if he's having problems with it. Has anyone seen this before? Any ideas of a prognosis? The people on the Araucana thread suggested I post this here. I don't know yet if this is a problem related to tufting. Thanks!

Kirsten

 

[TwoCrows]

Are you talking about how the beak looks a bit off to the right in that lower picture? I have a hen that has a beak similar to this little guy. She grew up to be a normal chicken even with an off kilter beak. As long as the lower mandible and the upper mandible line up and come together, they can eat just fine.

 

[KirstenJL]

Oh that's good news! I was hoping its not the kind of thing that gets worse. In the top picture it looks like it droops down too much too. Hens are raising this brood and it's hard to get a good look at everyone, but I don't think his siblings' beaks look quite like his. I did see him eat today, so hopefully he'll be fine.