In very small chicks the occlusal surface of the mandible is trimmed with cuticle nippers. For physical therapy in very young chicks, the beak is manipulated with the thumb and fore finger bending the tip of the maxilla toward the center and over correcting slightly. To be effective the therapy will be somewhat painful to the chicks. Soothing the chick following therapy will prevent fear of approach. If possible the chick should also be fed after therapy.
Therapy can be once daily or more often if needed.
Mild cases may be resolved by grinding. A conical, wood grinding tip is used. The occlusal surface of both the maxillary and mandibular beak is ground. If the beak can be closed with the tip of the grinding wheel between the surfaces can both be ground into a shape which will allow the beak to close properly after trimming. If bleeding occurs grinding should be discontinued.