Beak care and trimming

[AEG]

I just discovered one of my hens has broken a small part of her upper beak. It does not appear to interfere with eating or drinking. As a newbie I am asking will it grow back? Also, I read some people trim beaks to discourage pecking. My 5 layers do not have any trouble getting along. Is trimming necessary for any other reason?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

 

[sourland]

The only time that I have ever trimmed beaks has been on cross beaked birds to facilitate their ability to eat. If the broken part is still attached to your bird's beak, you could crazy glue it in place.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I just discovered one of my hens has broken a small part of her upper beak. It does not appear to interfere with eating or drinking. As a newbie I am asking will it grow back? Also, I read some people trim beaks to discourage pecking. My 5 layers do not have any trouble getting along. Is trimming necessary for any other reason?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Can you post a photo of the beak?

I would not do any trimming unless it's necessary - if she's eating/drinking o.k. then I would just observe to makes sure she's doing fine.
As for growing back - it depends on the location. This is where a photo or 3 is helpful

I don't know of many backyard keepers that trim beaks to discourage pecking - commercial poultry houses do practice this. Beak trimming is normally done in a backyard setting IF the beak is severely damage, the beak has a deformity or if it's overgrown/too long and the bird is not able to eat properly.

I've had broken, damaged, scuffed up, peeled away, etc. beaks. I usually let the bird be and watch that they drink eat. If split and I think it will get worse, I may file it down a bit, but for the most part, I leave it alone.

 

[AEG]

Thank you both for your quick response. It reassures me that my gut feeling is on the right track. I will get a picture tomorrow and post.

 

[AEG]

Hard to get a good picture but this shows the break it is just a chunk off the top front. She is eating and drinking well. Just wondering if it needs filing or should I leave it alone?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hard to get a good picture but this shows the break it is just a chunk off the top front. She is eating and drinking well. Just wondering if it needs filing or should I leave it alone? View attachment 2021593View attachment 2021594

She may file it down on her own. You can try placing a rock or paver in the run for your chickens. Personally I would just watch it, but if you feel it needs a bit of smoothing out, you could file it and round it a little.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/beak-and-claw-trimming.74570/