Silkie chick with deformed beak

[Gaelio]

This silkie chick is almost 3 weeks old and has this scissored type deformed beak. So far the chick is growing at the same rate as the rest of the group. He eats and drinks. Has anyone had this problem before and does it get worse? I'm thinking I'm going to give him a chance, but wondering how much a twisted beak will get in the way of his development?

 

[Scooter&Suzie]

For some reason I think I remember seeing someone else who had a problem with twisted beaks... I think they found a way to make it better, let me see if I can find the thread for you.

 

[Scooter&Suzie]

I'm still looking for it, but here are some threads that might help you:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/468237/twisted-beak

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/673397/chick-with-a-twisted-beak

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/123577/twisted-beak-will-she-lay-eggs

I hope you get some more answers!

 

[Gaelio]

Thank you, Scooter & Suzie!! Good answers here. I'm going to give the guy/gal a chance. Now I see from these posts that I may have to give her some extra care, though. One other question....someone said that it usually isn't a birth defect but has to do with 'incubation issues'. I got my batch of chicks from Cackle Hatchery, so are they referring to the time the chicks in the incubator or afterwards during shipping? Not much I can do about it now, but just wondering what the cause could be.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I'm pretty sure cross beak IS a genetic defect. I've heard that chicks that have slightly twisted beaks (where both the top and bottom go the same direction) can get them from problems with incubation. If it were me, I'd email this picture to Cackle hatchery. They may send you another chick, or refund your money. Either way, they should at least know they are selling chicks with defects. Good luck with your special baby! I have a black Silkie with a twist in its beak, we call her Smirks- because she always looks like she has this sly little grin on her face!

 

[Gaelio]

Ha ha, Love the name 'Smirks'. Does she do alright without special food and attention?
Now, why doesn't some orthodontist take on braces for chickens? LOL
I took your advice, though, and sent the photo to the hatchery. You're right, they should be aware if there is a defect in their population.
Thanks!

 

[oletymer]

Hi, I just read your thread and I have the same problem with my 3 week old silkie too , how is yourchick doing or did he have to be culled?

 

[tomhoogstra]

Hi, I just read your thread and I have the same problem with my 3 week old silkie too , how is yourchick doing or did he have to be culled?

Hens with twisted beaks generally cope on there own, they're aware of the issue and eat differently. They will still eat anything you give them, and they will be able to eat it.

In my opinion, it would be like a human with a cut. If we have a cut or sore on our body, we try to leave it alone until its healed and work around it. Unfortunately for the hen, the beak wont heal, but she will find a way to work around it.

 

[CluckyCharms]

Beak abnormalities such as cross-beak, underbeak and overbeak can stem from more than one source, actually.

- genetic composition
- temperature fluctuations during incubation (mostly heat-induced)
- malnutrition (not enough supplements in diet IE: calcium, greenery)
- not enough access to sunlight or a supplement mimicking the same (D3 deficiency)

That being said, I would raise her and give her the opportunity to be a chicken. If she were mine though, I would not breed her in case her particular case is caused by genetics...as I wouldn't want to further taint the gene pool.

Very cute chick, regardless of beak structure.

PS - I would also inform Cackle Hatchery immediately (as another suggested) because if they care at all about anything other than profit - they'd look into this and see if there is a genetic relation to this particular case.

 

[oletymer]

I hatched my chick, I've never purchased from a hatchery