Crossed Beak

[chickenlover2014]

I was given a baby chick that was born with a crossed beak. Not quite sure of her age. She does seem to be eating and drinking. Just not sure if shes getting enough. I have boiled eggs and gave her the egg and yolk as well as scrambled eggs. I did also make her food into a mash. But she seems a little thin. She flys up and roosts on the trough at night. I also think she is lonely being by herself. Any ideas on how I can maybe help her a little more?? Thanks so much!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

She is a cutie! Let me see if I can find someone who can help....

@Eggcessive @casportpony @KikisGirls @Pyxis @rebrascora @azygous @aart @HuskerHens18

 

[aart]

Likely not going to want my advice.

 

[azygous]

That scissor beak is quite pronounced. There are all kinds of stories on BYC about chickens surviving okay with a scissor beak, so it remains to be seen if this chick can survive with this disability.

The only thing I'd recommend trying that you already haven't is to place the chick with the other chicks in order to stimulate it to eat. This means feeding them all the same thing for the time being.

Foods that I'd try are yogurt, soft boiled egg, crumbled tofu, and strained baby foods with a few drops of Nutri-drench sprinkled over it. I'd do this special feeding with all the chicks until the disabled chick has learned to eat and is gaining weight and showing signs of growth.

 

[rebrascora]

Oh dear, that is heart breaking.... both the beak and being alone! Could you not buy a couple of other chicks to keep her company? If not, a mirror might help and a small stuffed toy or a wool hen or even a feather duster.
I'm afraid I don't have any knowledge or experience of dealing with cross beak. I hope someone else has some helpful advice.

 

[HuskerHens18]

Getting her a friend will definitely help her eat! She'll be more encouraged too and I bet you'll see her gain weight. You're doing a fantastic job! Mixing Nutri drench with some feed may make it easier for the poor thing to grab on to and swallow. Give her lots of love and that is all you can do. Loving them is better than killing/abandoning them

 

[chickenlover2014]

Thanks so much I'm going to look into getting a couple more babies to put in with her!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

 

[Eggcessive]

I have never had a cross beak or scissor beak chick. Usually the deformity gets worse with age. Get it some friends of similar age and size. Do not hatch her eggs later, since she will pass on the trait. She looks like a little easter egger chick that may lay blue green eggs. Feeding a wet mash out of a deep bowl (adjusted to her size as she grows) would be what I would do. Here is a good link that describes how to occasiona file or tim her beak to help make it easier to peck and get food:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/scissor-beak-aka-crossed-beak-what-it/

 

[chickenlover2014]

I have never had a cross beak or scissor beak chick. Usually the deformity gets worse with age. Get it some friends of similar age and size. Do not hatch her eggs later, since she will pass on the trait. She looks like a little easter egger chick that may lay blue green eggs. Feeding a wet mash out of a deep bowl (adjusted to her size as she grows) would be what I would do. Here is a good link that describes how to occasiona file or tim her beak to help make it easier to peck and get food:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/scissor-beak-aka-crossed-beak-what-it/

Thanks so much!!!❤