Black growth on beak

[DebbyG]

1) What type of bird , age and weight (does the chicken seem or feel lighter or thinner than the others.)
Buff Orpington, old but was given to me so I’m not certain - 6-7 years old.

2) What is the behavior, exactly. Acts overall fine but a little more sitting around than usual.
3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms? Maybe a month?
4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms? No, only one other with no issues.
5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma. No
6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation.
An opossum got into their coop a couple of months back and her beak and head were injured. Beak looked to be healing fine but noticed this off growth within the last month. The same area the beak was injured. I tried to poke at it with a needle to see if any pus came out but there was nothing.
7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all. Layer crumbles, scratch, veggies and fruits. No issue eating.
8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc. Looks fine.
9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far? Vetericyn spray just today.
10 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet? Not sure yet. She’s stable but I’d like to see if I can fix on my own. Chicken vets are not easy to find in my area and have long wait lists to get in.
11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.
12) Describe the housing/bedding in use
Typical chicken coop houses 6-7 but only used for 2. White cedar shavings I believe on the ground.

 

[sourland]

It almost looks as if the horny covering on the lower beak was removed and healing is taking place.

 

[DebbyG]

It almost looks as if the horny covering on the lower beak was removed and healing is taking place.

I would sure love it if that was the case!!

 

[dawg53]

Open her beak and look inside her mouth for any lesions. Let us know what you see. Also, it kind of looks like it could be caked on dirt or dried mud, at least part of it.
Can you use a warm wet washcloth to wipe off her beak?

 

[DebbyG]

Open her beak and look inside her mouth for any lesions. Let us know what you see. Also, it kind of looks like it could be caked on dirt or dried mud, at least part of it.
Can you use a warm wet washcloth to wipe off her beak?

I tried later later in the day and the inside of her beak/mouth are completely clear. I meant to mention that on the tip there was some dirt on there too. I should have thought ahead to wipe it off to avoid confusion.

 

[DebbyG]

I tried later later in the day and the inside of her beak/mouth are completely clear. I meant to mention that on the tip there was some dirt on there too. I should have thought ahead to wipe it off to avoid confusion.

I can post a new picture tomorrow with a cleaned beak if that’s helpful

 

[dawg53]

I tried later later in the day and the inside of her beak/mouth are completely clear. I meant to mention that on the tip there was some dirt on there too. I should have thought ahead to wipe it off to avoid confusion.

That's good news. Apply Blu-Kote to the beak and it should help heal it and will prevent bacterial and fungal infections. Give it time to heal.
Wear disposable gloves when applying it and dont get in her eyes.