Beak help

[mammasue]

Can someone help me. I am unsure what is wrong with my hens beak. I noticed she was eating funny so I caught her look closely and it looks like a layer broke off.

 

[coach723]

It does look injured, and like it has already dried and hardened. Beak injuries are not uncommon, it can happen getting caught on feeders/waterers, fencing, running into something if they panic, fighting (usually roo's). It's very painful at first, and as it dries and hardens becomes less so. If she's having trouble eating then making a mash by mixing her pellets or crumbles with water can help. Also using open, deeper dishes for food and water and raising them up off the ground some can help. If the quick isn't damaged then the beak will eventually grow out and be normal again, but they can grow slowly and it may take a while. I would just keep an eye on her. It would also be good to weigh her and make sure she's maintaining weight, that way you know if she's taking in adequate feed. An inexpensive digital kitchen scale works well for that.

 

[mammasue]

Thank you so much! My first break injury!