Trim or Cull? Beak Deformation in 5 week chick

[Nikkumz]

The only thing you would have to worry about is if shes able to eat and drink ok, and since shes made it this far, she can obviously do that! But like somone else said, try using an emery board, But i would wrap her in a towel and maybe cover her eyes also so she doesnt freak out. I know this is what i do with my conures when i clip thier wings and it helps them feel safe and secure if they are all wrapped up in a towel

 

[SeaisforChicken]

Thanks for your advice everyone. I just wanted to hear some options. Tomorrow looks like it's going to be "Beak-i-cure" day. We'll see how it goes!

 

[ReeseTheChick]

Oh yeah I just wanted to say that she is a pretty chicken!

 

[SeaisforChicken]

Quote:
Thanks! I really love the colors she's developing! I'd hate to see her go.

Today I added a cinderblock-y pipe-y tube-y thing that was lying out back. The flock has been pecking around at it, so maybe this will help too! It has tiny pebbles that must look interesting to chickens

 

[usschicago1]

I would DEFINITELY Cull. Cull means (among more things) NOT TO USE as breeding stock. It doesnt necessarily mean to kill. If you want her to live, i definitely would. But PLEASE dont breed her.

 

[SeaisforChicken]

Quote:
I do not plan on breeding her. I do understand that beaks are hereditary and would hate to pass on unhealthy/less vigorous genetics. She is to be a layer in a small flock. Thanks for the clarification on "cull" because I read most cull responses as "put her out of her misery."

She does not seem miserable, hence my surprise at the recommendation.

 

[ben is a terror]

If she eats,drinks, and is other wise well keep her. the special one can be real neat

 

[Miyashi]

I had a funny beaked baby...her name was Penelope. Sadly her beak went bad overnight and I tried for about 6 weeks to stay hopeful and what not....
The bantams that were just as old as her (she was an Ameracauna) had outgrown her....so I came to the conclusion...that it was time to go.
I made her a wet mash a billion times a day and she spent her entire day trying to eat....she was just so happy and sweet and loving....I didn't think it was fair...so I wanted to keep trying. But you hit a point when you stop doing any sort of good and you need to just do what's best.
She was too far gone...and I'm a pansie....so to the vet we went...and home in a little chicken casket she came.
I think yours will do fine! Maybe a little beak trimming now and then at the most? Have faith in the wee one! <3