Cross Beak In EE Pullet

[aking19]

I have a 10 week old EE pullet that developed a cross beak about 4 weeks ago. I think as she’s growing its getting worse quickly it seems. She is still able to eat ok, i use nipple drinkers and she appears to be able to eat crumble. I have port feeders but can give deep tray feeders too. I am really worried about her quality of life, I don’t feel right culling a bird that has a deformity however I read a lot of mixed opinions on the matter but also tht its not necessarily a death sentence. Can anyone suggest anything I can do for her? I am willing to try trimming her beak but it makes me nervous as hell and I haven’t the slightest idea how to do it. Right now top and bottom seem pretty even in length but they are just very lopsided. And her bottom jaw moves pretty well i watch her do it. Am also worried about her being able to forage for grass, bugs, and even pickup mealworms or scratch treats. All my years keeping chickens this is a first. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated. Here are a few photos from when i first noticed it, then 2 weeks and about 2 more weeks.

 

[cavemanrich]

First,,, Never trim the lower beak portion of any chicken. Chicken would have trouble drinking water with a lower beak trimmed.
Not sure trimming the upper portion would solve anything either.
If she is not meant to thrive,, I don't think you jumping to shorten her life is a good option.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[aking19]

First,,, Never trim the lower beak portion of any chicken. Chicken would have trouble drinking water with a lower beak trimmed.
Not sure trimming the upper portion would solve anything either.
If she is not meant to thrive,, I don't think you jumping to shorten her life is a good option.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I have been reading that is what folks do…trim the beak?? Not sure what you mean by shortening her life is a good option if shes not meant to thrive. Wouldnt that be the humane thing to do if she is not thriving? Sorry I am just trying to understand. Im looking to see what I CAN do for her to keep her comfortable and give her a good life/chance. Thanks so mucu!!

 

[triciayoung]

Kelli Anderson is awesome with cross-beaks. Here are two video about how to make torpedo's and feed.

 

[Duckydos]

I have a 10 week old EE pullet that developed a cross beak about 4 weeks ago. I think as she’s growing its getting worse quickly it seems. She is still able to eat ok, i use nipple drinkers and she appears to be able to eat crumble. I have port feeders but can give deep tray feeders too. I am really worried about her quality of life, I don’t feel right culling a bird that has a deformity however I read a lot of mixed opinions on the matter but also tht its not necessarily a death sentence. Can anyone suggest anything I can do for her? I am willing to try trimming her beak but it makes me nervous as hell and I haven’t the slightest idea how to do it. Right now top and bottom seem pretty even in length but they are just very lopsided. And her bottom jaw moves pretty well i watch her do it. Am also worried about her being able to forage for grass, bugs, and even pickup mealworms or scratch treats. All my years keeping chickens this is a first. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated. Here are a few photos from when i first noticed it, then 2 weeks and about 2 more weeks.

Purelychickens on Instagram and Im pretty sure she is on YouTube as well, has great information about cross beak chickens. She has a highlight reel at the top of her IG about it. She just lost her one girl to a predator sadly but currently has a chick with cross beak that shes raising. I would recommend looking at the videos she has. Super helpful

 

[aking19]

Kelli Anderson is awesome with cross-beaks. Here are two video about how to make torpedo's and feed.

Thanks so much I will check them out!