Is there anything I can do for this crossbeak ?

[happylittlehens]

I don't think filing her beak will help. I have trimmed the top beak and filed the bottom as much as I can. The sides of the bottom beak curl in. She isn't getting any food and is literally feathers and bone. I feel terrible. I feed her in a deep dish and use to be able to feel a full crop. But for the last few days it is empty every time I check. I've tried mash with water. I've tried hand feeding. Is there anything else I can do for her? is there a certain way I should file her beak? It seems like her whole lower jaw is off... Not just a curved beak? Please give me some advice.

 

[sumi]

You could try tube feeding her. Here is some more info and tips:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...cken-and-give-subcutaneous-fluid#post_9910754

And here is a wonderful thread on crossbeak chickens (and others) with support, advice etc:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-for-special-needs-chickens-and-their-keepers

Best of luck!

 

[happylittlehens]

Thank you for the links. I got some yogurt/mash mix in her this morning using a small Popsicle stick like a spoon. It wasn't enough to fill her crop but she seemed more content for a minute. I'm going to keep doing that a few times a day and see what happens. I don't understand why she can't eat by herself all of the sudden. The crossbeak hasn't gotten any worse. I'll just keep working at it and filing as much as I can. She is such a sweet bird. I hate to see her suffer.