Topic: scissor beak

[RenishawPhil]

Ive picked up some new pullets today :)

One speckled and one pure bred Light Sussex
Both seem very heathly, lively and inquisitive birds

But when i picked them up tonight i noticed that one(the hybrid specalldy (sp?)  had a lower beak that was slightly longer then the top one. Not a lot but just a bit

Ive googled it and it says its scissor beak

Its POL and seemed to eat ok , was the same size as all the other girls in the shed, so its not like she is struggling,

Looks a little odd when you look at her, but i have got

Has anyone had this before, and if so what did you do?

[star]

Hmmm, you got anything that needs cutting?

Seriously Phil, I know nothing of chooks and never heard of this. I guess its like dogs....they can have over or under shot jaws, they seem to do ok. As you say just look a bit odd ;)

[RenishawPhil]

I've had a further look and its known as prognathism.  It's only a few mil out on the bottom beak but makes he look funny.

Called her bubble and the other one squeak

[Melbourne12]

I've not encountered this personally, but I understand that as long as she can eat comfortably, it's not a problem.  But crossed beak is genetic, so don't breed from her.

From what you describe, it's also possible that she's had her upper beak trimmed to prevent her pecking other birds.

[grannyjanny]

We have 2 speckeldy's & when we picked them up they had had there beaks trimmed. Lovely birds & eggs ;D. When we first got them we had several double yolkers & 2 eggs from them both some days too.

[Hazelb]

A 'scissor beak' is when the upper and lower beak cross slightly, usually toward the tip of the beak. More evident as the bird gets older and is only a problem if eating gets difficult ( then the beak can be trimmed )

If the top beak is a little sorter, it may have been trimmed to stop feather pecking and will grow out quickly.