To cull or not to cull ??? Scissor beak

[My2butterflies]

I have a hen with crossbeak that just turned 1 a few weeks ago! She loves to be outside pecking at the ground for goodies...has no idea she's not accomplishing anything We just had to make a few minor changes in the coop and provide a little extra care to her beak:

- As a chick I weighed her weekly to make sure she was gaining weight consistently
- I file her beak every few weeks when it starts to get long with a nail file, and use dog clippers if needed. She has broken the top portion of her beak twice this year getting it caught on things (she's very busy), which has required some extra maintenance
- I do not use feeders or pellets - the flock gets crumbles in rubber bowls so she can scoop food up. I did try pellets (because of waste) with no success (after watching her I soon realized she can't scoop up pellets). I am also currently switching the flock to Purina layer feed because it has oyster shell in the feed - she lays softer shelled eggs because she can't eat oyster shell free choice, and a few have broken in the nesting boxes
- She usually looks a little ratty because she can't groom herself as well

She's a quirky little thing and has been a great addition to her flock - that being said, her beak hasn't hindered her from eating or drinking which is a huge factor in making the decision to cull.

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This is very reassuring! Your girls are gorgeous

 

[ironsightfarm]

This is very reassuring! Your girls are gorgeous

Thank you! They're quite the crew lol

Good luck with your chick!

 

[My2butterflies]

Thank you! They're quite the crew lol

Good luck with your chick!

Thanks!

 

[Chickencrazy21043]

Well today she stoped eating and drinking . The flock wanted noting to do with her . I pulled her out and I tired to open her beak and it didn’t move at all . She was feathers and bone and was suffering for sure . This was my first time putting a animal down and it was a Experience that I wish I had either someone to show me or a tool to use.

 

[Chickencrazy21043]

Few days have past now and the flock is back to its fun times flock #2 and flock #1