OH, WHAT DO I DO NOW?!!

[Sylviaanne]

How long should I wait for the beak to harden before attempting to trim it? I am scared to death that I will hurt it.

 

[lightchick]

I honestly don't know....

 

[bobbi-j]

Poor little guy... I'd definitely put him out of his misery, but that's me. I guess we all have different ideas of what's the "kindest" thing to do.

 

[biddyboo8]

I'd keep him for a bit. If he's in pain, you have to cull him. If he struggles, he has special needs so he needs special care and there is no reason to cull him. If he's fine, then he's good.

 

[chick aholic]

I'm sorry but I think the best thing u can do Is cull him u might want a fuzzy little chick , but u need to understand that fuzzy little chicks needs peace and no pain. Sorry

 

[AmericanMom]

If he were mine I would cull him, what is its quality of life to be? its obviously in distress, especially if as you say part of its skull is missing.
poor little thing, but this is part of raising animals, we all have to make that decision at some point.

 

[Sylviaanne]

Ok, I posted to CraigsList and I'm hoping someone will take it and give it a good life: http://springfield.craigslist.org/pet/4562520713.html

Any idea of specific questions I should ask to make sure the new "parent" isn't going to take it and sell it for experimentation?

 

[bobbi-j]

With the deformation it has, it's not going to have a "good life". What are you going to do if no one answers your ad? If you're not willing to take the necessary time and effort to raise this chick, why would someone else? Really - I'm not trying to be harsh - just realistic. I hope you have a Plan B.

 

[lightchick]

Ok, I posted to CraigsList and I'm hoping someone will take it and give it a good life: http://springfield.craigslist.org/pet/4562520713.html

Any idea of specific questions I should ask to make sure the new "parent" isn't going to take it and sell it for experimentation?

I love your ad on Craigslist! You could post a classified here in backyard chickens. I really wish you luck.

 

[happyhens1972]

If the beak is that badly crossed at this age, it will only continue to get worse, causing the chick more and more problems as it gets older and whoever is caring for it, more and more concern. I understand that some 'special needs' animals can live perfectly happy lives given a little extra care but I really would say this little one is far too deformed and disadvantaged and the fairest thing you can do is put it to sleep.