Beak issues

[Pioneer Belle]

Hi I have ten chickens they are about 20 weeks some have started laying. Three have cracked tips on their beaks. I keep them enclosed in a run. They can still all eat okay. Should I trim the rest of their beaks? Do they have a vitamin deficiency? This is my first flock. please help I will post a pic. thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I wouldn't trim them unless they are hanging. What type of feeders? Do you notice them sticking their beaks through the fence often?

 

[Pioneer Belle]

They do bob there heads up and down whenever I come near the coop. Very attached chickens to me. I was thinking maybe they break them on there. They hang over the slightest bit I don't know how much they are supposed to though.

 

[DobieLover]

They do bob there heads up and down whenever I come near the coop. Very attached chickens to me. I was thinking maybe they break them on there. They hang over the slightest bit I don't know how much they are supposed to though.

How large is your coop and run?
How many birds are in it?
What else is in the run?

 

[Pioneer Belle]

The run is 4ft wide I think 16ft long and 8ft tall plus under the coop 6ft by 4 ft. There are a few roosting bars their ramp and a dust box. there is 10 birds in it. They usually are pretty good never get board have a pecking block and lots of treats. I will post a pic of the run later.

 

[Samblast]

When I got my first chickens they messed up their beaks because of the food container I was using. I never trimmed them and they are all fine today. Also if they are pecking at a pecking block all the time, I think that could cause damage.

 

[Pioneer Belle]

Maybe I will limit the time with the block. think that would help?

 

[Samblast]

It’s worth a try. Just keep an eye on their beaks.

 

[Pioneer Belle]

I trimmed them becouse I relized they were long. They all seem to be doing fine. The broken beaks are healing fine but I noticed this thing on my hen the other day do you know what it is?

 

[Samblast]

It may be a scab from her rubbing her beak on things like hardware cloth, the feeder, or the waterer. Check to see if her mouth is clean and she can still use her beak properly. Here are some similar older threads
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/scabs-on-beak.1143795/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/deformed-beak-or-scab.839573/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sores-bumps-on-chicks-beaks.430010/