Cross Beak Baby

[SMonroe1990]

I have a cross beak baby who is about three weeks old. I have tried syringe feeding her and giving her a mash. She does not seem to do well with either. There are never two people home at the same time in my house for me to tube feed her. I was hoping someone would have another suggestion besides cull. I will do it if I absolutely have to, but I was hoping to give her a chance first. From what I've seen, it seems she has a pretty severe case. Her bottom beak does not really line up at all with the top part. Any advice would be helpful. I've read through the diary of caring for special needs chickens on here. I'm thinking it might come down to culling her. If that is absolutely my only option, so she doesn't starve to death, what is the most humane way to do it?

 

[SMonroe1990]

So I have decided to give the little girl until Sunday. My DH sat with her tonight and had her eating mash out of a bowl, so I will give her a few days to see if she puts on any weight. If anyone has any suggestions feel free to send some my way.

 

[CollegeChicken]

scissor or cross beaks vary greatly based on individual case. Some birds can learn to cope with it and maintain normal body weight, others cant. It depends on the severity and whether or not the anatomy of the deformity will actually allow the bird to consume on its own. I dont think a life where she cant feed HERSELF is much of a life for a chicken. If she can learn to eat thats great. If you wanna go the extra mile get a gram scale and keep track of her weight. IMO ( and its just my opinion I know many will disagree ) but I believe the only humane method of euthanasia for birds is performed by a veterinarian. the bird is usually placed in a box and the box filled with an anesthetic and once asleep the bird is injected with the solution. Wiith this method the bird experiences no pain and you spare yourself any gruesome task that probably isnt humane anyway. You are obviously a very caring chicken owner, it sounds like you are on the right track. I wish you the best of luck with this bird! - j

 

[texaspolloloco]

Im sorry. I had to put one out of her misery about a month ago. Poor little girl was starving to death. By the time I put her down she was so weak it seemed like she was almost asking me to do it. It sucked and Im sorry about your situation.

 

[SMonroe1990]

Thank you for the advice CollegeChicken and texaspolloloco it does suck, but it kind of comes with owning any animal I guess. We wouldn't let a cat or dog suffer so I believe a chicken shouldn't either. It's just horrible that she's a little baby. I think that's what gets to me most. But I will do what I have to do so she isn't suffering anymore. I'm sorry for the loss of your little girl.