Please advise... Cross beak

[Back 30]

I have a 5 wk. old Easter egger that has a beak deformity. We picked out the chicks one for one and even though I noticed it, we still accepted the girl. I've seen chicks make it to adulthood with and among other deformities, due to losing power to incubators so, I thought nothing of dropping a whole three dollars on this one. She is of course, beautiful to me and I'd love to keep her as a layer. I've gathered on BYC and on YouTube that breeding is out of the question but this condition is apparently manageable. The pullet is eating and growing normally, preening and having no trouble tearing at leaves but of course, I've also read and researched the bad. I've heard that the condition gets worse with age and I'm not looking to spend much time grooming her beak. So, I'd like to know if she will be fine on her own assuming the former and, is this a very minor case that shouldn't concern me otherwise? She won't be culled lest, she stops eating on her own. She cannot close her mouth fully but has no issues eating or drinking...yet. Any advice or experience based input would be highly valuable!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yes it will likely continue to worsen as she grows, but currently doesn't look too bad. She may have a harder time eating and drinking depending on what you're feeding and the type of containers, but most crossbeaks can manage fine as long as their condition isn't too bad.

You will need to do maintenance every once in a while as she will not be able to whittle her beak properly herself, and an overgrown beak can make it very difficult to eat and drink, plus is more prone to chipping and cracking. Takes me only a few minutes to file down both top and bottom beak of my crossbeak every few weeks.

 

[Chicken poppy]

Shes very beautiful, im so sorry to hear that. @JustBabyMargo

 

[Back 30]

Yes it will likely continue to worsen as she grows, but currently doesn't look too bad. She may have a harder time eating and drinking depending on what you're feeding and the type of containers, but most crossbeaks can manage fine as long as their condition isn't too bad.

You will need to do maintenance every once in a while as she will not be able to whittle her beak properly herself, and an overgrown beak can make it very difficult to eat and drink, plus is more prone to chipping and cracking. Takes me only a few minutes to file down both top and bottom beak of my crossbeak every few weeks.

With what do you file? I could imagine toenail clippers for the dog/cat and rabbit but a nail file (Emory board)/ Dremel seems like it would be very stressful. Right now she is getting chick crumbles, chopped veggies and some playtime in a covered run. Do you only file when you notice chips or cracks?

 

[Chicken poppy]

With what do you file? I could imagine toenail clippers for the dog/cat and rabbit but a nail file (Emory board)/ Dremel seems like it would be very stressful. Right now she is getting chick crumbles, chopped veggies and some playtime in a covered run. Do you only file when you notice chips or cracks?

Trim or file, trimming with dog clippers will work.

You also do it when it grows to long.

 

[rosemarythyme]

With what do you file? I could imagine toenail clippers for the dog/cat and rabbit but a nail file (Emory board)/ Dremel seems like it would be very stressful. Right now she is getting chick crumbles, chopped veggies and some playtime in a covered run. Do you only file when you notice chips or cracks?

Emery board - cheap and easy, really no different than filing your nails. Danger with using nail clippers is there is a possibility of cracking the beak (though I've used it before, if there's noticeable overgrowth at the tip, and then filed back from there).

To file I wrap the bird up so it can't flap away, then I put a finger from my non dominant hand across the bird's mouth to keep it open, and file with my free hand.

You want to file it back before it chips or cracks, as cracks can deepen further into the beak.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

My rooster, Auggie, has a very slight cross beak. His hasn't worsened with age. I don't have to do anything special for him or do any type of maintenance. If I'm giving a hard treat, I will break his up into small bite size pieces, but I doubt this is necessary. Auggie, doesn't close his beak fully either. He will be 2 years old in September. JustBabyMargo is one I know of that has lots of experience with this. I see she's been tagged. There are others that have experienced this and can offer their input as well. I wish you and your chick the very best

 

[gimmie birdies]

Be very careful with the dog trimmers and trim longer than you think you need to.

 

[Back 30]

Be very careful with the dog trimmers and trim longer than you think you need to.

Thank you! I've got a bit of veterinary experience and know that a painless trim is waaaay better than hitting the quick even if it's only once!!

 

[Back 30]

My rooster, Auggie, has a very slight cross beak. His hasn't worsened with age. I don't have to do anything special for him or do any type of maintenance. If I'm giving a hard treat, I will break his up into small bite size pieces, but I doubt this is necessary. Auggie, doesn't close his beak fully either. He will be 2 years old in September. JustBabyMargo is one I know of that has lots of experience with this. I see she's been tagged. There are others that have experienced this and can offer their input as well. I wish you and your chick the very best

Have you raised him from a cockerel and does his beak look similar?