Cross beak chick.

[GingerRose]

Its amazing how well they adapt!

I agree. I actually had a "warm fuzzy" feeling when i noticed it using the tongue that way.
Now, Picasso can pick up the starter crumbles. I have watched it do so. I dont know if what gets in the crop would be enough to keep it healthy. I decided to hand feed before any weight dropped down.
When I feed it, it does eat a good amount. I think i made the right decision to go ahead and start feeding this way. If its beak moves more, i may have to use a syringe. Right now, I just grab a little at a time and hold it right where the tongue is and Picasso grabs it and swallows the mush. I make sure the nostrils are clear before I even start to clean it up.
It may be overkill, I don't care.

 

[GingerRose]

I will try and get some this afternoon! She's out running around but will usually come when I call her

I can hardly wait to see her!!
Thank you

 

[LaFleche]

As Picasso's deformity is very severe, without tube feeding several times a day Picasso will starve slowly to death.

Here is how to do it:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...kens-including-tube-feeding-techniques.64321/

 

[GingerRose]

Thank you so very much.
I am mentally prepared to do this too.
Right now, Picasso has decided to eat the mush by its self. It also enjoyed some really soft ripe persimmon!
I also include coconut oil to help out.
I am feeding Little P, 4 to 5 times a day.
Little P eats as much as it wants and clean up, dry off then let back with the family.

 

[LaFleche]

The problem with this kind of deformity is, that although the bird might or will be feeding all day long, it will never ingest enough to keep up with the other healthy siblings and will fall behind development wise.
Cross beaks or in your case rather deformed/dislocated lower mandibula need very deep and often also wide bowls to feed and drink to accomodate the upper and lower beak and be able to reach the feed or water.

The best way to keep them well fed is to tube feed several time a day. At their young age their gizzard and crop are so tiny that the tube feeding needs to be repeated almost every two hours.

 

[GingerRose]

Should I separate Picasso?
I am willing to do anything for it.
So far, it has not lost any weight. Im comparing it to a sibling same size. If i see any drop in weight, I will be in our veterinarian office. He also treats my peafowl, when needed.
I may need to speak with you away from this thread, is that permitted?
....and its nothing to debate. Its more questions and topics i am not comfortable exposing myself pubically...

 

[LaFleche]

Should I separate Picasso?
I am willing to do anything for it.
So far, it has not lost any weight. Im comparing it to a sibling same size. If i see any drop in weight, I will be in our veterinarian office. He also treats my peafowl, when needed.
I may need to speak with you away from this thread, is that permitted?

I would not separate Picasso, loneliness will make it lose appetite and overall interest, causing depression.

Having a knowledgeable veterinarian is great, they will be able to show you how to tube feed correctly.

But you could also prepare some extra treats with high nutritional value rolling them into little balls slightly oblong shaped, and feed it to Picasso on top of the tube feeding session.

Just have it sit on your lap facing forward and insert the little feed balls gently into the mouth and let Picasso swallow. Maybe you will have to tug gently at the lower beak to make it open the mouth for you.
Usually one would tug at the wattles to make a chicken open their beak for administration of pills etc. But I cannot see any wattles on Picasso so far.

Of course you can send me a message via private conversation.

 

[Stellasmomma]

Here is Elvis, She is actually getting a beak trim today. I tried to get good photos while holding her LOL I think she's adorable and I love this chicken probably more then I should! She does well eating and drinking and does not know she's any different!

 

[Stellasmomma]

Should I separate Picasso?
I am willing to do anything for it.
So far, it has not lost any weight. Im comparing it to a sibling same size. If i see any drop in weight, I will be in our veterinarian office. He also treats my peafowl, when needed.
I may need to speak with you away from this thread, is that permitted?
....and its nothing to debate. Its more questions and topics i am not comfortable exposing myself pubically...

I never separated Elvis they need their flock members and loneliness will contribute to appetite loss I think what your doing is fine and seems to be working

 

[Stellasmomma]

I agree. I actually had a "warm fuzzy" feeling when i noticed it using the tongue that way.
Now, Picasso can pick up the starter crumbles. I have watched it do so. I dont know if what gets in the crop would be enough to keep it healthy. I decided to hand feed before any weight dropped down.
When I feed it, it does eat a good amount. I think i made the right decision to go ahead and start feeding this way. If its beak moves more, i may have to use a syringe. Right now, I just grab a little at a time and hold it right where the tongue is and Picasso grabs it and swallows the mush. I make sure the nostrils are clear before I even start to clean it up.
It may be overkill, I don't care.

You do what you feel is right you obviously spend enough time with Little P to know what's working! hopefully as Lil P matures it will have fiqured out a work around for getting the food in I have watched as Elvis turns her head and scoops up food she eats anything she wants! she loves meal worms, scratch, tomatoes you name it!