funny looking beak

[Teddy Roo's mom]

my husband picked up some new pullets for me today and the seller offered him one for free because her beak is bent, the lower half is long and bent in one direction and the upper half is normal size and bent in the oppisite direction. she is normal otherwise and has no trouble eating and drinking. she is a buff orph. any suggestions?

 

[Lollipop]

It happens Mom. She obviously can deal with it, so don`t worry about it. Most of the time a cross beak is a genetic thing, but some times it`s caused by fighting. It won`t hinder her life or egg production.

 

[silkiechicken]

WELCOME!!!

Do a search on cross beaks and you'll find a number of threads. Some do ok, some don't, but it depends on the severity and time you have to ensure they thrive.

 

[RooptyDoo]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens! You will find this to be an informative and very helpful site. Everyone is great!

 

[Mahonri]

I lost (to sickness) an EE to sickness that had a beak that couldn't close all of the way. I really liked him too. He could fly up onto my shoulder and would sit there while I walked around the yard and didn't poop on my even once.

 

[Teddy Roo's mom]

thank you all for your help, I already love her and she hasent even been here 24 hours. I will watch her close

 

[Teddy Roo's mom]

I just did a little research and some say to trim the beak, is it like a dogs toenail than can only be trimmed so much or it will bleed? how do I know how much to trim?

 

[princess araucana]

if you trim too much they will bleed, like dogs toe nail. You must be extra careful trimming the bottom beak because that is where their tongue lies. Be careful not to trim the tongue or to take too much off that the tongue hangs out.

Please do a search for "cross beak" using the search box, also try "scissor beak"

You must monitor the chick eating, it might look like she is eating but she might not be able to. In that case wetting the food to make a sticky mash might help.

I have one who requires special care.

Good luck with her!

 

[Teddy Roo's mom]

This bird is almost a year old and I'm pretty sure the beak has never been trimmed, the bottom part is twice as long as the top. should I trim a little each week until it's the same length as the top?

 

[silkiechicken]

You can try filing it or cutting it some, but not too far, since you don't want to hit bone.