Beak Damaged - Will it heal - See photos

[TeresaT]

Hi. I purchased 7 pullets from a local small animal auction. I hated seeing how they threw the cages around with the chickens in them, but this was my first time there and I had come to buy myself my first hens. When I got them home and situated (it has been 3 weeks today) we noticed that one of the girls had a cracked beak. It was bleeding just a little and it appeared that one of the other chickens pecked at it, right in front of us. So, I think it may have been damaged at the auction, but it could have happened at her previous home, I don't know. I have attached some pictures of her beak. Unfortunately she still has food on her face so its kind of hard to see. Does anyone know if this will heal on its own or if I should do something for her. She doesn't really like to eat by pecking off the floor. She loves for us to hand feed her. Or, she'll eat out of the cup we bring the food in. (They do have feeders too, don't worry). What should I do? Her bottom beak on the side in the photo is damaged too.

 

[MissPrissy]

Your chicken has been debeaked. It won't grow back. Debeaking is a cruel vile practice.

Debeaked chickens need deep feeders so they can help scoop what they eat since they can't peck as well as other chickens.

 

[cjeanean]

Poor chicken!!! They trimmed her beak!!! I can't believe people do that, it makes them look so un-chicken. I can't see the crack you're talking about, though.....

 

[Wynette]

I can't see the crack, either. For deep dishes, you might consider a hard plastic dog dish. That's what I use for my chicken who is extremely cross-beaked. It's got sloped sides so it's "non-tip," and I can throw it in the dishwasher once in awhile to make sure it gets disinfected.

I'm so happy that you brought this girl home! Sounds like she's very tame & people friendly! Enjoy her!!

 

[karanleaf]

That is just down right MEAN

un
That is a practice that is considered cruel by the Humane Society. I would have a few choice words for the person responsable

I think this would be one bird I could make a pet out of.

I hope she continues to eat well for you..

poor thing

Oh by the way

 

[TeresaT]

Really?!? I can't believe it. None of the others were that way.

So, will the end just fall off or do I need to do anything to it? I will make sure she has a deep feeder, thanks for that. I have been hand feeding her a lot. She is a real sweety. She was the first one that would let us hand feed her.

The chicken that I have that was injured (I had an emergency earlier in the week and her feathers and skin were ripped out by something in the old coop, she's doing well, hopefully her skin grows back) is in the old coop in our garage (I guess it wasn't predator proof enough). The predator killed one and injured one. We rebuilt a new coop and I think they will be safe there. Totally reinforced all around!! We have 5 of the original 7 in there and let them run around in a fenced area when we are home during the day (3 days per week). We will be building a new bigger one with an outdoor enclosed run (totally enclosed to prevent predators). This way when Zoe (the injured one) goes back with them they will have plenty of room.

I love them all. I will keep you updated on all their progress. But still let me know if I need to do anything with the end of that beek that is barely there.

 

[TeresaT]

Oh, I'll try to get a better pic of the bottom beak tomorrow that looks damaged too. One side looks normal and the other side looks just like the top.