How to Feed a Crossed Beak Chicken

Sometimes chickens hatch out with a crossed over bill. The degree of this deformity varies, but it is thought to be genetic and the afflicted birds should not be bred. This issue can be corrected by reconstructive surgery if the cross is severe. Most birds can live comfortably with this crossed beak but may need certain adjustments to how they are fed. As with other chickens, a variety of foods is needed to keep them healthy and occupied. It just takes a bit of extra food preparation to help these birds.

Things You'll Need

  • Deep bowl
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Instructions

    • 1

      Reshape severe crossed beaks (to trim the overgrowth only) or alter slightly crossed beaks through corrective filing and trimming. Have a veterinarian do this or carefully trim some of the overgrowth with a fingernail clipper.

    • 2

      Put the chicken's food in a deep bowl so that she can scoop feed easily. Keep the bowl full as it is harder for them to use any precision picking. Offer wet food by softening the chicken pellets with water (be sure to clean this daily as it will go rancid).

    • 3

      Provide soft foods in deep bowls. Feed chopped egg, yogurt, peas and corn kernels off the cob. Watch the bird to see what size dish works best for her.

    • 4

      Provide sunflower seeds and bird seed in a separate "snack" bowl. Deep bowls allow the bird to reach in and scoop the seeds.

    • 5

      Provide proper forage or pasture space. Allow her to forage and hunt, as birds can learn to eat with their crossed beaks. Note that she will snatch grass, clovers and other greens and collect worms as she hunts.