Blochers Djur & Natur

Cross beaks

What they are and how to care for them

I always knew the cross beak condition existed but it never really got my attention until I saw the youtuber Oak Abode talking about how a cross beak could be benefital for your flock. Since that video it has always been in the back of my mind that I wanted to add a cross beak to my flock. 
DISCLAMIER: Im not an expert, this is based on my research and experience.
This is a conditon of a bird where the upper and lower part of the beak do not aligend with each other. This conditon is most common to chickens but can also happen to ducks and geese.

The conditon becomes visual right at hatch but most often devlop later in life as it matures. 
The causes can come diffrent sources. Most common is a genetic issue. It can also be a malposition in the egg, wrong incubation conditons, injury or nutrional deficincies.
Before and after trimming at the Vet
Before and after trimming at the Vet

Trimming of the Beak

A cross beak will need a regular trimming of the beak, since they dont get the same wear and tear as normal bird beaks.

One common missunderstanding is "why dont I just help the beak to come into the right place?" 
A cross beak can not be fixed. Trimming a cross beak before 6 months of age can do both permanent damage and pain for the bird. This is cause the beak is a part of the skull and before 6 months (in chickens) they are still growing. 
Info from the group "Crossbeak Poultry in Motion"
Info from the group "Crossbeak Poultry in Motion"

Feeding

A cross beak can live a happy and thriving life, but do need some extra care. You need to make sure that they can eat and drink enough. Deep dish bowls makes this easier for them, but you can also make them mash food since. The mash food makes it easier for them to scoop up. 
A good routine is to weigh them weekly to make sure they eat enough. 

Torpedo Feeding

How severe a cross beak can be varies from bird to bird. For the more severe cases they need assistance to eat. For this you can use the technique called "Torpedo Feeding". 
Its basicly a "cookie" you make into a solid shape that you gently place in the cross beak mouth. 

Here is a good video of to torpedo feed your chicken 

Tube Feeding
If torpedo feeding does not work for your bird there is tube feeding. DO NOT tube feed if you are in experienced. You can get assisted by a Vetrinarian to show how its done or consult an experienced person

My toughts about cross beaks

Part of the reason I want a cross beak, is the same as Im writing this. I want to teach about this condition and that the bird aint doomed cause their beak looks abit funky. Like Oak Abode says in her video they can actully be benefital to your flock (watch the video to know why!)

I get the feeling that many actullt dont know about this condition and always get suprised when their bird starts devolping a cross beak.

Want to learn more about cross beaks?

Join the Facebook groups 

CrossBeaks Poultry in Motion
They have amazing guide on both chicken care and Cross beak care 

Crossbeaks and Special Needs   

I almost got a cross beak into my flock read her story 

Story about Shenzi the cross beak

Sources:


Facebook Group - CrossBeak Poultry in Motion

Meyer Hatchery - What is an Cross Beak?

YouTube - Alaskan Fly Fisher  

Dela