Gifted Chick

[113-CHANSEY]

This is Hey Hey he has a special gifted beak and wonder as he gets older will there be any problems in the long run. He eats fine and drinks from the red nipples pretty well. Though he's the smallest from the flock which they don't mind but don't know if that would cause any problems as Hey Hey gets older?? Would like to get some replies on the lil fella!!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some cross beak chickens do fine others don't, you will have to see how it goes. Feeding it wet feeds can help or serving it in a deep dish.

 

[Mrs. K]

I had one once, and it actually lived till about 7 weeks, then I don't think it could eat enough to maintain the body growth. It was always active, and after a while, I didn't pay any attention, but when I found it dead, it was very light. I think it mostly starved to death, glad I have not had another one, I think I would cull it, but it would be hard.

Mrs K

 

[NotSoChickenLove]

That is one unfortunate looking little guy. I think you might have to take him on as a pet and make sure he gets his share, or he won't do well.

 

[aart]

Not a gift, but a rather serious deformity.
Could be genetic or an incubation issue.
It probably won't be able to eat/drink enough on it's own to survive.
Milder cross beaks can often semi-thrive, but this is extreme.
These chicks often have other invisible(internal) deformities.
I'd euthanize rather than let it slowly decline.

How old is it?
Compare it's musculature to it's hatch mates.

 

[Ciqala]

I have a cross beak, but no where near as severe as your's. Deep food dishes, wet food help a lot. Since she was a chick I kept up on trimming and dremeling her beak and feel it's helped her a lot. We're in NH, so in winters she lives inside the house to avoid her tongue getting frostbitten. I also add vitamins to her water. They're a lot more work, but in my experience she's worth it and a pet. I'd go to the moon and back for my crooked faced girl. Good luck with him.

 

[Chickenlover2017]

He is so cute I always feel so bad when there is a chicken like this and people point it out they are the same as any other chicken

 

[Chickassan]

If you're going to keep Hey Hey I would recommend a vet visit just to see if any improvements can be made. Cute little chicken but that is a really bad beak I worry about it eating enough.