Crossbeak trimming help

[kayjk27]

My little crossbeak, Ally, is 9 weeks old. I've never trimmed her beak because she hasn't had any problems eating. But I feel like her top beak is so curved and I'm worried it's going to cause problems for her. She still has a full crop when I check on them every night but when I pick her up throughout the day it's never full. Should I try to trim the top? If so, how should I do it? The thought of it scares me! Thanks.

 

[staceyj]

Hi there.
I wrote out directions the other day for someone who needed to trim, for the first time, an uncomplicated beak, and rather than type it all over again I thought I’d just post a link.
Obviously your situation is a little different because of the cross but it will give you a good idea of how to proceed.
Trimming would definitely help this little one eat. Have you tried making wet feed (mash) available to her during the day? Mine love it for breakfast with a big dollop of plain no fat Greek yogurt on top. Fage is their favorite brand btw.
It’s hard to see in your picture, but it’s possible that even the bottom one might need a little filing too.
Just remember no big clips. Just little snips at a time.
I hope this helps you a little.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/whats-up-with-this-beak.1268456/page-2#post-20377331

 

[kayjk27]

Hi there.
I wrote out directions the other day for someone who needed to trim, for the first time, an uncomplicated beak the other day and rather than type it all again I thought I’d just post a link.
Obviously your situation is a little different because of the cross but it will give you a good idea of how to proceed.
Trimming would definitely help this little one eat. Have you tried making wet feed (mash) available to her during the day? Mine love it for breakfast with a big dollop of plain no fat Greek yogurt on top. Fage is their favorite brand btw.
It’s hard to see in your picture, but it’s possible that even the bottom one might need a little filing too.

I hope this helps you a little.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/whats-up-with-this-beak.1268456/page-2#post-20377331

Thank you! I trimmed her top beak just a tiny bit.

 

[staceyj]

Thank you! I trimmed her top beak just a tiny bit.View attachment 1520418 View attachment 1520419

You did an excellent job!

 

[staceyj]

Thank you! I trimmed her top beak just a tiny bit.View attachment 1520418 View attachment 1520419

It looks like you shaped the bottom one as well!