Culling a 4 1/2 week old chick?

Oh, I'm sorry @paxfarms . I actually had a chick with the same issue - it is not really scissor/cross beak, it is definitely an unrelated skull deformity. Known to be a symptom of quite a few issues. In my case it was that the egg was frozen before hatching (not on purpose; long story, bad shipper).

I had to cull him at about a day and a half while he was still perky and charming because I knew he would start having issues and requiring more care than I could give. I'm sorry you're at the same point. It's the worst type of survivor chick :hit

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it is not really scissor/cross beak, it is definitely an unrelated skull deformity.

I had to cull him at about a day and a half while he was still perky and charming because I knew he would start having issues and requiring more care than I could give. I'm sorry you're at the same point.
Scissor/crossbeak is a usually skull/skeletal deformity...and often other deformities will be present, either visual or internal.

Good on you for euthanizing early.
 
Scissor/crossbeak is a usually skull/skeletal deformity...and often other deformities will be present, either visual or internal.

Good on you for euthanizing early.

You know, I believe you that it's the same or similar actual mechanism - I've only ever had ones on the extremely mild end of the spectrum aside from Mr. Cyclops (and they didn't get bred), and his issue definitely had a different *cause*.

More accurately said: it's too severe, it's gone beyond what I would would even classify as potentially-treatable scissorbeak and into severe-skull-deformity territory, OP. Her quality of life isn't going to be good no matter what, and you will be a slave to keeping her there :( I honestly doubt she will make it to adulthood either way. I think it is the right decision to let her go. I know how hard it is when they're still active - my little guy was still acting like a normal chick - but it's better than watching them decline.
 
Oh, I'm sorry @paxfarms . I actually had a chick with the same issue - it is not really scissor/cross beak, it is definitely an unrelated skull deformity. Known to be a symptom of quite a few issues. In my case it was that the egg was frozen before hatching (not on purpose; long story, bad shipper).

I had to cull him at about a day and a half while he was still perky and charming because I knew he would start having issues and requiring more care than I could give. I'm sorry you're at the same point. It's the worst type of survivor chick :hit

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Thank you all for your kindness and support. I culled the chick the day after posting this. I knew in my heart what needed to be done and it was extremely difficult for me, but it was easier than letting her starve to death. I feel like any responsible animal owner has to come to a point where they understand that ending the animals suffering is the kindest thing you could do for them, and that's where I was at. I just needed the reassurance that it was the right choice. I thank you all so much!
 
Thank you all for your kindness and support. I culled the chick the day after posting this. I knew in my heart what needed to be done and it was extremely difficult for me, but it was easier than letting her starve to death. I feel like any responsible animal owner has to come to a point where they understand that ending the animals suffering is the kindest thing you could do for them, and that's where I was at. I just needed the reassurance that it was the right choice. I thank you all so much!
Euthanization is the one of the hardest, yet most important, aspects of chickeenering.
Kudos and Condolences.
 

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