Beak wound

[OzarkChooks]

This guy seems to get picked on a lot by the other cockerels. Noticed there appeared to be a hole in his beak. Or at least a small piece missing? Is this something that can just heal up on its own? Should I clean it out?

 

[HappyClucker7]

That will heal on its own. No need to do anything, although you could maybe dab it with some Neosporin (with no pain relief) if you want to.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

This guy seems to get picked on a lot by the other cockerels. Noticed there appeared to be a hole in his beak. Or at least a small piece missing? Is this something that can just heal up on its own? Should I clean it out?

Could be old injury from a feeder, getting hung on wire or may have been scabbing from a Papilloma that fell off and left a hole.

I would apply a very thin coat of Vitamin E oil to the beak and just around the opening of the hole to hopefully make it a bit more pliable and less prone to breakage.

I doubt it will close up. Cockerels can be a pain and picking can lead to fighting. It may be wise to consider separate housing. If this guy is with hens, then watch to see if they are picking at his beak making it work.

Photo reference https://www.researchgate.net/figure...left-PCxPA-and-without-frontal_fig5_321760506

 

[OzarkChooks]

He is in a pen, separate from the hens, with other young cockerels. I'll try the vitamin E. He is the only one out of the group who isn't getting processed this week. Thank you!