Scissor beak? How do we help?

[Ducky0601]

We have a 3 month old, scissor beak that we hatched and it is pretty severe. He is eating and growing well, but he keeps running backwards like he is in pain. We had another, but he was in the egg a very long time, and we think he had brain damage. Ducky, our scissor beak, is our baby. We don't know what to do! We couldn't cull him unless we are sure he is in great pain. We also think he is a rooster, and if he lives, we don't know what to do if he breeds. If you have any tips on how to help cure this pain, or, if you have an idea on what to do, please let us know! Thank you SO much!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Unfortunately there's not much you can do. Most can eat and drink okay. If it can't than culling must be considered, otherwise many live full lives. Wetting it's feed or feeding it in a deeper dish can help. Otherwise regular trimming of the beak is often necessary. I would not hatch any chicks out of it. It can still be your rooster and mate though.

 

[Ducky0601]

Are there any videos on how to trim the beak?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Not that I know of. I just trim any extra as needed.

 

[lazy gardener]

The running backwards sounds like Vitamin E encephalopathy. You could try giving him vitamin E, selenium, and B vitamins, but most likely, at this time, the damage is most likely systemic and you are not likely to be able to fix this issue. I would definitely not allow him to breed. Only you can decide when or if his quality of life is such that culling him would be a kinder act to him than allowing him to continue to struggle.

 

[Ducky0601]

Thank you for your help guys.