Anyone had Hen with beak injury do OK???

[yotedog]

Help me figure out the most humane solution here--I'm trying to decide how long to give a hen mauled by a raccoon to recover the ability to eat. She had multiple injuries, and is healing nicely with one issue--the tip of the upper beak is missing so she has not been able to pick up food. I've been tube-feeding her for a week, and she is now trying to eat on her own somewhat, but has not exhibited the ability to pick up food. The upper beak is missing the tip, plus is slightly off-center due to a crack in the beak. (She also lost an eye, so it is possible that her trajectory when grabbing food is also off, as she is using only one eye--not sure). I'm considering removing the tip of the lower beak, to match the top, but before I put her through that, with all the other things she's been through, was wondering if anyone has experience with a similar situation, and the bird eventually figured out how to eat??

 

[Tam'ra of Rainbow Vortex]

I know that some folks 'de-beak' to prevent picking, so I am sure that its possible for chickens to live like that. I wouldn't remove the bottom, personally, fearing it would impare her ability to drink. I think beaks will eventually grow back and if she's survived so far I think it all depends on your patience.
I haven't had any beak injuries, but I have had some severe wounds that have healed remarkably. Chickens are tough!
Sorry I can't be more help.

 

[journey11]

Yes, don't touch the bottom beak. I'd say the missing eye is the problem. I don't know how you feel about culling, but I would probably go ahead and do it if it were my own flock. But that is because a chicken that can't fend for itself (and requires lots of babying) is more than I have time for. Odds aren't good that she'll thrive. JMHO

 

[chuckzoo]

I had my one hens break off about 1/4" from the top part of her beak when she got a fright and flew against the fence. Let me assure you it will grow back and surprising quickly too.

Don't do anything with her lower beak. I do suggest you put her food in a dish that is deep enough that she can "shovel" up the food and she will manage fine. If you are feeding treats chop them up small and also put them in a deep dish but large enough around. The beak can be very sensitive at this point but will improve.

Best wishes

 

[dkosh]

I have also had chickens that have had a broken top beak. They do learn to shovel their food. I agree though the eye may be a bigger problem. If you don't have that many chickens she may be alright but a chicken with one eye in my large population would not be able to defend herself and I would probably cull her.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
This was my thought, also that the sensitivity should decrease in time, and the beak will hopefully grow back. Lots of folks have kept crossbeak chickens just by providing food in something wide so they can scoop it.

Culling is sometimes a personal decision, and not a clear one. In then end, what I would do is not really helpful to you. It's just something you'll have to make peace with yourself about.

 

[yotedog]

Thanks for all the input--glad to know that a few have done ok with portions of the upper beak missing. That was the info I needed to encourage me to give her more time, and to keep tube feeding her for awhile. I agree that she cannot live in a normal flock, but since she was the only one to survive the raccoon (he ate well...darn it), that isn't a problem at the moment, as we no longer have a flock! I suspect I could just come up with one friend for her...something small and old....and keep them segregated once we repopulate.

So I guess my next question is---has anyone had a chicken lose an eye/eyesight in one eye, and did she "miss" for awhile when pecking and picking up food? Trying to figure out what impact the eye is having. Also, anyone have a poorly or improperly debeaked bird, where part of the bottom beak is missing, and could they still drink? I'm assuming if enough is left so the tongue is not protruding, that they still could drink? Not sure...

 

[chuckzoo]

Yes, I do have experience with one eyed hens. My sister took one of her hens to the vet because of some kind of eye infection. Well he removed the eye and yes she copes just fine. They go through a period of adjustment just as you or I might, but she is doing very well. She gets to free range where as the others are in their run, so she gets a bit more special treatment.

With regard to your hen being able to drink; they drink by scooping water up in the lower beak and tilting their heads to allow it to run down their throat. I suggest you get a rabbit-type waterer that has the little spout and teach her to drink from this. I do believe this would be the easiest way for her right now if she is having trouble scooping up the water.

Best wishes with your hen. I hope you can get her a friend, I think it will make her feel much better. I would chose a younger pullet if you can so she would be higher on the hierarchy.

 

[yotedog]

Thanks, Chuckzoo--that's good to know.

The really good news is that it is looking like she might retain use of that eye. I really thought it was gone, but have been manually opening the lid and giving her antibiotics anyway. Yesterday, she was actually able to open the lids half-way on her own, and the eye appears intact, from what I can tell. Guess she just had so much swelling that she couldn't open it, and I suspect the eye was scratched and painful, so she was keeping it retracted as much as possible, even when I got her lids open. Guess time will tell. She's really feeling better, and is fighting me a lot now (she was always a grumpy, obnoxious girl). So if only we can get her eating, she should be fine.

Will update once we see how she does...