Cross Beaked?

[shadowfox]

1 week old Easter Egger, I noticed today that her beak is crossed. I know it hasn't been like this before. It just showed up today. Is there anything I can or need to do for her?

 

[Little Chicken Girl]

Ameraucanas (What EEs are usually mixed with) along with some other breeds are more prone to a defect that causes crooked/twisted/crossed beaks.

Here is an article with more information on it: http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2016/05/causes-and-treatment-of-scissor-or.html

There is no treatment for cross beak chicks. However, it is not hopeless. Chickens with this deformity can still live happy, healthy, functional lives. However, they will require more care than other chickens:

They may need occasional beak trimming (usually this is not needed until the chick has grown a little), soft, nutritious feed (chicken-feed mixed with a little water and/or yogurt. Possibly a vitamin supplement as well) and plenty of accessible dust (crooked beaked chickens cannot preen well by themselves so dust-bathing is more critical for them than other chickens).

I have a twisted beak chicken (who I absolutely love). She is healthy, a good weight and very happy running free range in the yard. She follows behind the lawn-mower to pick up grass clippings because it is somewhat difficult for her to pick it herself. You can read about her here: http://thewayofthechicken.com/index.php/2017/08/31/elly-the-crooked-crevcouer/

Below: Elly (crooked beaked pullet)View attachment 1131067 View attachment 1131074

 

[shadowfox]

Thank you for your support! I've read through a few articles and it sounds like it shouldn't be too difficult to take care of.