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Crossbeak Chickens Have A Unique Job
Don’t cull that chick just yet! Before I had a crossbeak chicken, I’d seen the images. The condition seemed disturbing, to say the least. When one of our chicks’ beaks appeared just a tad different than the rest, I didn’t think much of it. But as it turned out, we had a case of scissor beak on our hands. (Yes, the names are interchangeable.) Our special girl Reptar is our scissor beak hen, and she has certainly had to overcome her share of hurdles. Eating, drinking, and self-defense can be a challenge for these little guys. But believe it or not, there is a very special job only crossbeak chickens can carry out. I’m not at all suggesting you should go and breed them intentionally — there are plenty already that need homes. But if you have one on your hands, you may be surprised at how helpful she (or he!) might become.
The Benefits of Scissor Beak
Crossbeak chickens are far from useless. Because the handicap that scissor beak presents creates a very special job opportunity. Think about it. Crossbeak chickens can’t peck. While this inhibits some natural chicken behaviors, it also prevents bullying. If you have ever had a predator attack on your chickens, you know that the first order of business is to separate injured chickens from the rest of the flock. Why? Because healthy chickens will peck at injuries, not only making them worse, but can (and will) even peck an injured flock member to death. So into solitary confinement the patient must go.
However, chickens are highly social creatures. If you’ve ever seen a chicken separated from its flock by a barrier, you know that they will do everything they can to be reunited. The trauma from a predator attack can kill a bird due to shock alone. Separating a lone chicken can not only make them depressed — it can actually cause them to lose the will to live to the point of dying.
This is where crossbeak chickens come to the rescue. When we have an injured chicken that needs time in the icu, she doesn’t have to be alone. We bring our crossbeak hen, Reptar, in right along with her. The two are able to snuggle up at night just like they would in the coop, and talk to each other throughout the day. I believe it has made all the difference for our injured girls.
Crossbeak Chicken Care
While crossbeak chickens provide special care to injured chooks, they do require a bit of special care themselves, as well. Most importantly, crossbeak chickens need their beaks trimmed regularly since they cannot peck to wear it down naturally. Many flock owners simply clip the ends of the beak with dog toenail clippers. However, I always fear I will cut it too short. Therefore, my husband and I use a Dremel tool to rapidly sand away excess beak growth. We trim Reptar’s beak about once every two months.
In addition to regular beak trimmings, it’s important to make sure your scissor beak hen is able to eat & drink properly. Some crossbeak chickens have such a sever disability that they are unable to eat, and unfortunately pass away. However, many are able to eat by “scooping” food & water up with their open beak. Make sure your food & water sources allow your special-needs chicken to eat how he/she is able. We used to use a nipple drinker system, but had to add a pooling waterer for Reptar to use since she is unable to efficiently peck for water.
Are Crossbeak Chickens Worth Keeping?
In summary, crossbeak chickens who survive need a just a little extra care, and can provide important “nursing” skills for your injured flock. In addition, because of the extra bit of special attention, crossbeak chickens tend to be more tame & friendly than others. Reptar certainly knows she needs us to survive, and she thanks us willingly with cuddles & friendship!
Disclaimer: We’re not professionals or experts on this topic, so all we can do is share our own personal experience in hopes that it helps you in your journey! We always recommend consulting with the pros directly.