Cross Beak

[Daisyschickens]

I've been raising chickens for 11 years now and this is the first time I've encountered cross beak on one of my 3 weeks old chicks. She wasn't hatched with it, just recently developed, so assuming it was an injury. She's very active friendly and engages with us more than any of the babies. No problem so far eating, drinking, or preening, but it seems to be getting worse. Makes me so sad and was hoping for some tips and encouragement.
Thanks in advance.

 

[GodLovesU]

Can you post a picture?

 

[Eggcessive]

I have never had any with cross beak either. It does get worse with age so it may have been very mild at first. I have read to feed crumbles from a higher sided feeder to help them get enough to eat. A small amount of food can be mixed with a little water in a small bowl as well. Occasionally trimming with dog nail clippers and filing the beak so that it comes together may help. Here is a good link to check out:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/scissor-beak-aka-crossed-beak-what-it/

 

[21hens-incharge]

It is certainly upsetting to think of them struggling with the deformation.

They can live a decent life if it's not to extreme and proper attention is given to their different needs.

 

[Daisyschickens]

I have never had any with cross beak either. It does get worse with age so it may have been very mild at first. I have read to feed crumbles from a higher sided feeder to help them get enough to eat. A small amount of food can be mixed with a little water in a small bowl as well. Occasionally trimming with dog nail clippers and filing the beak so that it comes together may help. Here is a good link to check out:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/scissor-beak-aka-crossed-beak-what-it/

Thank you! I tried some crumbles moistened with water in a small high sided bowl and she seems to be eating a lot of it along with her two brooder mates.

 

[Eggcessive]

Just keep the moistened feed fresh and wash the bowls as needed.

 

[Daisyschickens]

Just keep the moistened feed fresh and wash the bowls as needed.

 

[Daisyschickens]

Thank you for response. Keeping it fresh and bowls cleaned. Now I've noticed she has food stuck in bottom part of beak. Any thoughts on using a feeding tube or how to clean out her beak. She isn't growing as fast as her other brooder mates.