Cross Beak question

[Mybackyardpeepers]

She is very sensitive and doesn't like to get handled or petted, maybe because of being picked on. We haven't done anything on her beak. How to tell what part is okay to trim vs. the others might have blood vessel? I guess similar to our finger nails?

The most clear part of her beak is like the part of your nail that grows out. It will take a few trimmings to get hers back by the looks of the length. Wrap her snuggly in a towel helps. She will have a lot better luck eating, a wet mash helps too.

 

[rosemarythyme]

How to tell what part is okay to trim vs. the others might have blood vessel? I guess similar to our finger nails?

Have you ever trimmed a light colored dog or cat nail? You can see the quick, the blood rich cuticle in the middle of it that bleeds easily if nicked. Beaks are similar. Your girl has a light beak tip so you should be able to see an opaque center inside the more translucent outer part of the beak, you do not want to cut anywhere near the opaque part. I use a dog nail trimmer to cut off excess well away from the quick, then an emery board to file it back and shape it.

Given how long the upper beak is it's probably something that will need to be gradually worked back with treatment every couple of weeks, until it's a more normal length.

 

[HAPPYCHICKENLADY17]

I Have a little silkie that has a cross beak..it has been doing quite well so far, at 6 months old but not laying or crowing yet, not sure what the sex is

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I Have a little silkie that has a cross beak..it has been doing quite well so far, at 6 months old but not laying or crowing yet, not sure what the sex isView attachment 1956154 View attachment 1956154 View attachment 1956155 View attachment 1956156 View attachment 1956157 View attachment 1956158

Are all the pictures the same bird? If so looks like a Cockerel.

 

[HAPPYCHICKENLADY17]

Are all the pictures the same bird? If so looks like a Cockerel.

YES

 

[Fintechie]

The most clear part of her beak is like the part of your nail that grows out. It will take a few trimmings to get hers back by the looks of the length. Wrap her snuggly in a towel helps. She will have a lot better luck eating, a wet mash helps too.

We did the trimming today using only the nail clipper and file. The picture is post trimming. She does seem to eat a bit easier now without the overbite getting in the way. Thanks you all for the tips and encouragement!

 

[Folly's place]

Good!

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

We did the trimming today using only the nail clipper and file. The picture is post trimming. She does seem to eat a bit easier now without the overbite getting in the way. Thanks you all for the tips and encouragement!
View attachment 1956909 View attachment 1956910

Looking great! Glad she is having an easier time. As you keep up with it eventually it will push the quick back. Keep us up to date how she is coming along!

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

YES

I'm guessing it's a boy!

 

[Fintechie]

I hope not! Our city doesn’t allow roosters