crossbeak?

[Justin P]

I dont know if they are more prone or not, i dont think so i think its just a birth defect in chickens and birds in general. I did have to put my poor chicken down. I came home and she was in the food hopper, I mean in the bucket part, trying to eat but she couldnt. It sucked but it was the best thing for her. Thats the best way sometimes.

 

[Calpurnia]

How bad is this, I just accepted this hen for free from a lady who no longer wanted it should I trim it?

 

[CochinBrahmaLover]

Oh my gosh that's horrible!! That chicken needs tube feeding or put down! If you cut it there would be blood EVERYWHERE. Imagine cutting off your bottom lip & teeth

 

[Calpurnia]

I just adopted her, she apparently had been surviving and living fine without being tube fed.... I don't like the idea of cutting it at all! I just read people do and have never came across a situation like this, I really love this girl though, she is so friendly. I will not cull her at all... she doesn't appear to be suffering.... I just wanted others opinions.

 

[thepouts]

I admire you for taking on such a challenge. I have 2 crossed beak silkies who are doing great with no interventions from me. They aren't as severe as your poor girls though

 

[Calpurnia]

Thanks, I just went out there because that other poster freaked me out... I though maybe she can't eat! BUT I went out there just now, 6am and offered her food, she ate great! then I gave her water, she drank great too! I think as long as the chicken can eat and drink on their own that they are okay .. wouldn't you say? I just won't breed her and make sure she is offered wood ash to dust bathe in since she may not be able to clean herself ...

 

[Justin P]

Thats about how mine was. The one i had was bought with four other chicks, when i had to put her down she was about half the size of the other four and when i picked her up she was all bones. All she did all day was scratch the food out of the feeder and try to eat but i was certain that she wasnt getting any food. If that bird is that big and has meat on her bones then maybe she has adapted to her condition. I would just let her go as long as she is a healthy wait. The poor bird i had was simply staving to death and i felt a responsibility to not let that happen. Its hard to kill something you raised from almost day one but in the end that was the best thing for mine. Like i said maybe yours has adapted. Best of luck!

 

[Pinkbow1]

I have a baby chick right now with a terrible cross beak :/ We got her like that from the hatchery about a month ago and didn't think anything of it since she was (and still is) eating and drinking just fine. Hopefully she'll be okay as she grows up.

 

[Pinkbow1]

I just adopted her, she apparently had been surviving and living fine without being tube fed.... I don't like the idea of cutting it at all! I just read people do and have never came across a situation like this, I really love this girl though, she is so friendly. I will not cull her at all... she doesn't appear to be suffering.... I just wanted others opinions.

Is she eating and drinking on her own?
We have a baby chick just like that, and she's doing fine now but I'm worried about her as she gets older. :/

 

[Calpurnia]

Eating and drinking fine .