- May 2, 2011
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Some additional considerations re: scissor beak --
A Belgian Quail chick born here about 2.5 weeks ago had scissor beak, and I brought it to an avian specialist vet in the hope something might be done. Sorry to say, the situation was hopeless and the little one was humanely sent to chick heaven. But I learned about two scissor-beak issues I hadn't been aware of.
1. My little chick's nasal openings were partially obstructed. This was a result of the peep putting its head into the food in an effort to shovel it into his top beak.
2. The vet also pointed out that the chick's tongue would always be exposed because the beak wouldn't close, and that over time the tongue would necrotize.
Please remember these difficulties -- along with the usual feeding concerns -- when deciding whether to keep or cull a scissor beak. Depending on the severity of the condition, culling may be the most humane option.
A Belgian Quail chick born here about 2.5 weeks ago had scissor beak, and I brought it to an avian specialist vet in the hope something might be done. Sorry to say, the situation was hopeless and the little one was humanely sent to chick heaven. But I learned about two scissor-beak issues I hadn't been aware of.
1. My little chick's nasal openings were partially obstructed. This was a result of the peep putting its head into the food in an effort to shovel it into his top beak.
2. The vet also pointed out that the chick's tongue would always be exposed because the beak wouldn't close, and that over time the tongue would necrotize.
Please remember these difficulties -- along with the usual feeding concerns -- when deciding whether to keep or cull a scissor beak. Depending on the severity of the condition, culling may be the most humane option.
