Although it does not happen often, you may experience some health conditions when raising your own flock. One condition you may see is “cross beak” (also known as scissor beak), a deformity where a chicken’s upper and lower beaks do not align properly. This can make eating and drinking a challenge, but with the right care, chickens with cross beak can live happy and healthy lives.

What is Cross Beak?

Cross beak can be evident at hatch or develop later on as the chick matures. It is difficult to know the exact cause, but generally when a crossed beak is evident at hatch the cause is suspected to be a possible genetic issue, a malposition of the chick inside of the hatching egg, or improper incubation conditions.  When a crossed beak develops around 4-12 weeks of age, the cause may be due to injury or a nutritional deficiency. Any injury to the skull or face as a young chick can lead to a misalignment of the jaw, which may cause a crossed beak to form.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The signs of cross beak are usually evident by a few weeks of age and you want to look for:

• A noticeable crossing of the upper and lower beaks.
• Difficulty picking up food or drinking water.
• Slower growth compared to peers, due to reduced food intake.

Noticing a chicken with cross beak early can help you come up with the best care plan possible.

Feeding a Chicken with Cross Beak

When caring for a chicken with Cross Beak it is important to watch the chicken’s weight and adjust their feeding based on the severity of the Cross Beak. Here are a few tips:

Adapting Feeders and Food Consistency

• Use deep dishes or bowls for feeding. Shallow feeders can be difficult for cross-beak chickens to access effectively.
• Add water to the feed to create a mash or soft consistency. This makes it easier for the chicken to scoop food with their beak.
  

Protein is Helpful!

• Use high-quality chicken feed to ensure the chicken gets essential vitamins and minerals even if they consume less. 
• Offer your chicken finely chopped vegetables, fruits, and protein sources like scrambled eggs or mealworms for an added boost.

Keep a Watchful Eye

• Spend time observing your chicken during feeding to ensure they’re eating enough and adjust their food and the feed consistency as needed.

Providing Water

Chickens with cross beak may struggle to drink from traditional waterers, especially nipple waterers. A more deep, open water dish allows the chicken to submerge their beak with plenty of space. Be sure to regularly clean the water dishes, especially if your chicken is getting extra feed into the water.

Beak Maintenance

Cross-beak chickens may need a regular beak trimming to manage their condition and prevent overgrowth. You can trim the beak carefully using:

• Nail clippers or a dremel tool designed for pets.
• An emery board for gentle filing.

Trimming should be done gradually to avoid hitting sensitive areas or causing bleeding, be sure to watch for the quick in the beak, very similar to a fingernail.

Coop Adjustments

Creating an environment that accommodates your cross-beak chicken ensures their comfort and safety:

• Easy Access to Feed and Water
  • Position feed and water dishes at a height that’s easy for them to reach.
• Pecking Order
  • Be sure to keep an eye that your cross beak chicken is not being bullied by any other chickens in your flock. Having some “secluded” areas in the coop can be very helpful.
• Keeping Everyone Clean
  • Cross-beak chickens often have difficulty preening effectively. Regularly check their feathers and body for dirt or parasites and help clean them as needed.

Monitoring Health

As your cross beak chicken grows, you want to keep an eye on their health:

• Weight: Weigh your chicken regularly to ensure they’re maintaining a healthy weight.
• Feather Condition: Poor nutrition often leads to dull, brittle feathers.
• Energy Levels: A healthy chicken should be active and alert.

If you notice any signs, it’s a good sign to take a look at your care plan and make some adjustments.

While caring for a chicken with cross beak requires extra effort and attention, it’s a totally manageable condition. With the right feeding strategies, coop adjustments, and regular monitoring, your cross-beak chicken can lead a fulfilling life!

Learn more about Cross Beak care by watching our video on YouTube: