I seem to be the only one starting threads here.. but it's the only place I know where i can post 😁

One of my chicks has the bottom half of its beak sticking out to the left. It also sleeps a lot, but I wasn't really sure it was the same chick until their colours started to come in. the crooked beak is only really starting to show now.

Three other chicks in the brooding cage play and run around a lot, but usually this one is sleeping, it also doesn't seem to play with them anyway.

Don't have a great picture, this is the best one I have.

Should I be worried (I am)?

Is there anything I can do for it?

https://i.postimg.cc/TY06yn3N/IMG-20260903-WA0018.jpg

EDIT.

I have added two videos replying to this post showing the chick drinking and sleeping while the others are wide awake.

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[–] [S] 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (2 children)

Great, thanks.

I am just after feeding it a porridge type mix. 😀

I tried earlier, but she kept falling asleep in my hands and wasn't interested. So I eventually gave up, and back in to the cage. I came back in about an hour later and she was pecking away at the food, but ignoring the porridge mix. So I took her out again with the mix, added a little more water with the electrolytes, and she took a minute, but got stuck in. Ate a fair bit of it, so I am happier now, much happier. She could see/watch the other chicks from where she was eating in my hands, so wasn't too stressed. Eventually seemed full and I just put her back in with the others. They are all going to sleep now.

One thing I have noticed is that she seems to be a bit of an outcast among them, doesn't get involved in the playing etc. and sleeps alone. The other three huddle together, and she sleeps out on her own.

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  • [–] 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 child)

    I’m hoping your chick makes it! Don’t worry too much about it being an outcast right now. As long as it thrives, it can still socialize with its flock in the future. Good luck!

    Edit: I should add that I’ve seen many cases of cross beak from Reddit and backyardchickens.com. Some were quite severe but of mature hens, meaning they can thrive. Your chick was unlucky to have it, but it appears milder than those aforementioned cases.

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  • [–] [S] 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

    Thanks. Me too. I don't know if the outcast thing is by choice or not. I noticed late last night that it was sitting in with the two bigger ones (lemon Brahma I think), but then when I looked again, she was back over on her own.

    I glanced in this morning, and she was awake with the others, sitting, but awake, so I'm hoping that the feed last night helped. I will keep an eye today and be there to feed when needed/wanted.

    I had a look at some cross-beaks.. and yes.. 🤯 some of them do look a lot more severe, so that is something I hope. Meaning, hopefully it will be possible for me (a complete beginner) to look after her without too much difficulty.

    Better Picture of Cross-Beak

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