Scissor beak 4 week old

[16 paws]

Hello,
I have a scissor beak chick that is 4 weeks old. She is a Salmon Faverolle and she is being brooded by her mama along with 4 other chicks. The mama and the chicks have been kept in a section of the coop separated by wire. They could see the other chickens but could not touch. I let them join the rest of the flock yesterday and that is going well.
My problem is the bigger flock members are real pigs and consume all of the food I have out and the little chicks are not able to have food all day. Since this chick has a scissor beak and has a harder time eating I would like her to have food at all times so she keeps up her weight.
Does anyone have any ideas on a chick feeder station that would keep the bigger chickens out but the babies could go into and feed. I once saw something on this forum that you could make yourself but I cant remember what it was now

Thanks for any help
Marie

 

[hooktontravel]

i've seen some designs for creep feeders. you can build a thing with bars wide enough for the babies but too small for the grownups. put the chick food inside it. I think you could even do it with some hardware cloth or similar with a 'doorway' sized for the chicks. an upside down cardboard box with a few chick-sized cutouts? I think there are lots of ways you could do it... good luck. I have a Faverolles scissorbeak who is about 3 weeks now. I am trying to figure if there's a way to brace or tape her beak to help it be a bit less out of line later and give her a better chance. For now she's eating and keeping up with the others, she's just a bit runtly in size.

 

[Folly's place]

These are very 'special needs' birds, difficult to manage. They can't get food off the ground, or 'chew' things into smaller pieces. A deep dish of crumble or mash, and a deeper water dish, are essential. I've managed to help a couple of affected chicks along, but having one with a broody will be harder. Mom will want everyone to manage, and not give the 'special' one extra time to eat. Don't let the poor chick starve! Mary

 

[16 paws]

Edwena is doing pretty good now. I put her in a special coop and run that butts up to the others so she can still be right beside them. I also give her 2 waters, one that is a crock, like a big bowl and the other one is raised up so she can get the water closer to her mouth. She still tries to pick up tidbits from the ground but I dont think she gets much. I give her a deep dish of fermented feed so its like thick oatmeal and she has chick start and grow in a deep bowl. She has a couple room-mates that are in there with her. She is holding her own and is starting to fill out more. I am keeping a close eye on her. She is sweet and she makes this real special sound like a whistle with her cross beak.

These special needs chicks always find a way to surprise and amaze.
I am also taking care of a blind chick. She is doing well also.

Thanks for the help everyone!
Marie