On Jan 11th my Lulu was attacked by a raccoon. She had a large open wound on her side that healed quickly. Our struggle has been her beak. She finally started eating on her own but only liquid food. This is the most recent picture I have. Since this photo she has lost more of that top beak. I'm afraid of more coming off as well. She is very lively and interested in that liquid food. The problem is I don't know if she can't or won't eat solid food. Should I make that difficult decision to put her down or give her more time? She has been living in the house since this happened. It's just so hard when she otherwise seems so fine. I know she can't live on that liquid bird food forever.
Broken beak, need advice
- Thread starter aktwig
- Start date
Greetings aktwig,
My goodness, that is one of the most severe beak injuries I have seen in a while. But, I am impressed that your girl, not only survived the racoon attack, but is still eating with that beak injury!
There is a possibility that too much of the beak (rhinotheca) is missing, and may not regrow. And, there is a chance it will regrow partially. It won't look normal, because some of the bone is missing. It could take a few months, or more, to repair, if it does.
You will have to maintenance her beak till it has regrown enough to cover the little nooks and crannies. Bits of food will get in there and you don't want it to spoil or attract attention from the other hens.
Usually a beak injury this severe requires a veterinarian's care. But if that is not an option, and since you have done a great job of caring for her to this point; I say give her a chance.
Start by offering diced cooked meats, fruits and chopped greens, pellet feed may be easier for her to pick up. Try different things to get her started on solid food. A little extra protein each week to help with repair. As beaks are composed of the same material as feathers, keratin.
She is healed from the attack, and now you will be helping her with rehabilitation. It's no different than when a person is in an auto accident, and sustains a broken jaw. It takes time, because there are different phases to healing and rehabilitation. But, just set up a routine that is convenient for your lifestyle, yet attentive to the hen.
Because she has been away from the flock so long, she will also need to be reintegrated, when the time comes. Right now, she isn't ready to return and compete for food, or deal with flock dynamics.
So, these are my thoughts on your hens beak injury. I hope they are helpful.
God Bless and peace to you and your hen.
My goodness, that is one of the most severe beak injuries I have seen in a while. But, I am impressed that your girl, not only survived the racoon attack, but is still eating with that beak injury!
There is a possibility that too much of the beak (rhinotheca) is missing, and may not regrow. And, there is a chance it will regrow partially. It won't look normal, because some of the bone is missing. It could take a few months, or more, to repair, if it does.
You will have to maintenance her beak till it has regrown enough to cover the little nooks and crannies. Bits of food will get in there and you don't want it to spoil or attract attention from the other hens.
Usually a beak injury this severe requires a veterinarian's care. But if that is not an option, and since you have done a great job of caring for her to this point; I say give her a chance.
Start by offering diced cooked meats, fruits and chopped greens, pellet feed may be easier for her to pick up. Try different things to get her started on solid food. A little extra protein each week to help with repair. As beaks are composed of the same material as feathers, keratin.
She is healed from the attack, and now you will be helping her with rehabilitation. It's no different than when a person is in an auto accident, and sustains a broken jaw. It takes time, because there are different phases to healing and rehabilitation. But, just set up a routine that is convenient for your lifestyle, yet attentive to the hen.
Because she has been away from the flock so long, she will also need to be reintegrated, when the time comes. Right now, she isn't ready to return and compete for food, or deal with flock dynamics.
So, these are my thoughts on your hens beak injury. I hope they are helpful.
God Bless and peace to you and your hen.
- May 11, 2010
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I say give her a chance to prove she can adapt. Here's a some information:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-21775543
https://www.hobbyfarms.com/help-my-chicken-has-a-broken-beak/
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-21775543
https://www.hobbyfarms.com/help-my-chicken-has-a-broken-beak/
- Thread starter
- #4
Greetings aktwig,
My goodness, that is one of the most severe beak injuries I have seen in a while. But, I am impressed that your girl, not only survived the racoon attack, but is still eating with that beak injury!
There is a possibility that too much of the beak (rhinotheca) is missing, and may not regrow. And, there is a chance it will regrow partially. It won't look normal, because some of the bone is missing. It could take a few months, or more, to repair, if it does.
You will have to maintenance her beak till it has regrown enough to cover the little nooks and crannies. Bits of food will get in there and you don't want it to spoil or attract attention from the other hens.
Usually a beak injury this severe requires a veterinarian's care. But if that is not an option, and since you have done a great job of caring for her to this point; I say give her a chance.
Start by offering diced cooked meats, fruits and chopped greens, pellet feed may be easier for her to pick up. Try different things to get her started on solid food. A little extra protein each week to help with repair. As beaks are composed of the same material as feathers, keratin.
She is healed from the attack, and now you will be helping her with rehabilitation. It's no different than when a person is in an auto accident, and sustains a broken jaw. It takes time, because there are different phases to healing and rehabilitation. But, just set up a routine that is convenient for your lifestyle, yet attentive to the hen.
Because she has been away from the flock so long, she will also need to be reintegrated, when the time comes. Right now, she isn't ready to return and compete for food, or deal with flock dynamics.
So, these are my thoughts on your hens beak injury. I hope they are helpful.
God Bless and peace to you and your hen.
Thank you so much for the reply. We have seen a
vet several times. They were great and very willing to help, but admittedly new to chicken care. They were the only vets near my area that I could talk into even looking.
At what point do I give her the tough love and take away the liquid baby bird food? I was using that while syringe feeding, to regain weight and strength, and now because it’s all she can (or will) eat. At some point she would have to show signs that she can eat solid food. Currently she only pecks at every solid food I’ve tried to provide but doesn’t even actually touch it.
I have my doubts that this beak will grow back. That has me very concerned.
I’ve already kept her alive for 5 weeks. I’m so scared that I might only prolonging her suffering on this earth if I’ll just have to put her down because of this later anyway.
My husband and I both are traumatized by the sounds of her screams that night. We live in the city and the coop is near our bedroom wall. Of course she is my original baby and the one I have a commissioned painting of. Dang Raccoon! (We have put in better measures to prevent this again and at the time had an unnoticed breach in the enclosure.)
Yes, I completely understand what you are going through.
I just euthanized my beloved hen "Filamena", last Monday. I was deeply grieved to have to do make that decision.
She was a very special hen from the first time I saw her, very talkative, pulled on my pants and sat on my feet. I raised her from the age of four weeks old. However, a year ago she became ill with a reproductive disorder. She was saved from death three times over the year. My vet treated her and was able to help her recover twice. Then, four months ago I had to do CPR on her, as she was choking, and started to turn blue. That hen was surely blessed, she was almost three years old. She lived a happy life here with me, as I am sure your hen lives with you.
Last Monday, after being ill for three weeks, my hen suddenly stopped eating, couldn't walk, had labored breathing and was flailing her wings for balance. When I saw this, I new her last day had come. It broke my heart to make that decision, but, I was also glad to have her for that year. She was always happy, and lived a quality life, foraging and living with her flock mates. I provided her with many accommodations to help her: steps and ramps around the yard, a safety net in the coop, many special meals, spa treatments for her condition, and trips to the vet. So yes, I completely understand what you are going through.
But, the fact that you are seeking opinions on this decision, tells me you are not ready to throw in the towel. It's hard to euthanize an animal that is eating, drinking and seemingly healthy. When they stop eating, drinking, having labored breathing, cannot walk, then it is easier to make that call. You don't want them to suffer. But, if there is no hope for a good life with a measure of quality, having to force feed, keeping them in captivity away from their flock mates indefinitely. Then, that too is a form of suffering.
So, discuss this important decision with your vet and husband. Then, when you are confident in your decision, you will be grieved when she is gone, but firm that you did the right thing.
They're not just livestock, they are part of our pet family, just as important as the dog or cat.
God Bless and peace to you.
I just euthanized my beloved hen "Filamena", last Monday. I was deeply grieved to have to do make that decision.
She was a very special hen from the first time I saw her, very talkative, pulled on my pants and sat on my feet. I raised her from the age of four weeks old. However, a year ago she became ill with a reproductive disorder. She was saved from death three times over the year. My vet treated her and was able to help her recover twice. Then, four months ago I had to do CPR on her, as she was choking, and started to turn blue. That hen was surely blessed, she was almost three years old. She lived a happy life here with me, as I am sure your hen lives with you.
Last Monday, after being ill for three weeks, my hen suddenly stopped eating, couldn't walk, had labored breathing and was flailing her wings for balance. When I saw this, I new her last day had come. It broke my heart to make that decision, but, I was also glad to have her for that year. She was always happy, and lived a quality life, foraging and living with her flock mates. I provided her with many accommodations to help her: steps and ramps around the yard, a safety net in the coop, many special meals, spa treatments for her condition, and trips to the vet. So yes, I completely understand what you are going through.
But, the fact that you are seeking opinions on this decision, tells me you are not ready to throw in the towel. It's hard to euthanize an animal that is eating, drinking and seemingly healthy. When they stop eating, drinking, having labored breathing, cannot walk, then it is easier to make that call. You don't want them to suffer. But, if there is no hope for a good life with a measure of quality, having to force feed, keeping them in captivity away from their flock mates indefinitely. Then, that too is a form of suffering.
So, discuss this important decision with your vet and husband. Then, when you are confident in your decision, you will be grieved when she is gone, but firm that you did the right thing.
They're not just livestock, they are part of our pet family, just as important as the dog or cat.
God Bless and peace to you.
- Thread starter
- #6
Yes, I completely understand what you are going through.
I just euthanized my beloved hen "Filamena", last Monday. I was deeply grieved to have to do make that decision.
She was a very special hen from the first time I saw her, very talkative, pulled on my pants and sat on my feet. I raised her from the age of four weeks old. However, a year ago she became ill with a reproductive disorder. She was saved from death three times over the year. My vet treated her and was able to help her recover twice. Then, four months ago I had to do CPR on her, as she was choking, and started to turn blue. That hen was surely blessed, she was almost three years old. She lived a happy life here with me, as I am sure your hen lives with you.
Last Monday, after being ill for three weeks, my hen suddenly stopped eating, couldn't walk, had labored breathing and was flailing her wings for balance. When I saw this, I new her last day had come. It broke my heart to make that decision, but, I was also glad to have her for that year. She was always happy, and lived a quality life, foraging and living with her flock mates. I provided her with many accommodations to help her: steps and ramps around the yard, a safety net in the coop, many special meals, spa treatments for her condition, and trips to the vet. So yes, I completely understand what you are going through.
But, the fact that you are seeking opinions on this decision, tells me you are not ready to throw in the towel. It's hard to euthanize an animal that is eating, drinking and seemingly healthy. When they stop eating, drinking, having labored breathing, cannot walk, then it is easier to make that call. You don't want them to suffer. But, if there is no hope for a good life with a measure of quality, having to force feed, keeping them in captivity away from their flock mates indefinitely. Then, that too is a form of suffering.
So, discuss this important decision with your vet and husband. Then, when you are confident in your decision, you will be grieved when she is gone, but firm that you did the right thing.
They're not just livestock, they are part of our pet family, just as important as the dog or cat.
God Bless and peace to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. They are part of the family.
You’re right, I’m not ready to throw in the towel. I just don’t want her to suffer. Thank you for all your thoughts on the matter. I’ll try other foods, monitor her, and give her a little more time. She still makes the sweetest little sounds when I talk to her. <3
Hello aktwig,
There are other factors when rehabilitating chickens, with beak, feather or spur and toe nail damage, to consider.
When there is injury to the body, internal and/or, external, all resources go to healing the body first. Things like feathers, beaks and such will be the last to be repaired, in the healing process. As, these things are not essential for immediate survival. But, now that the wounds are healed, you should notice very slight regrowth of the beak.
It is fortunate that she didn't lose her bottom beak and tongue. Her top beak also still has the bone structure. Only the skin of the beak needs to be replaced. This happens in layers, the first will be soft, then subsequent layers grow over and a hardening slowly takes place. So, it is a process that takes some time. This is why avian vets will use an acrylic prosthetic to cover the beak till it is repaired.
Chickens are stubborn when they have to learn new routines, too. This may be why your hen is not accepting the solid food. Try, slowly reducing the liquid feeding, and offering plenty of solid food. She is unable to tear food right now, but she should be able to scoop it into her mouth. She won't starve if she doesn't eat for a couple days, make sure she is keeping hydrated though.
Ultimately, she needs to have the will to survive, and should eat the solid food when hungry enough. Perhaps you can put a docile hen in with her, in the afternoons. Provide some yummy foods and see if she'll follow the other hen, in enjoying a snack.
Eating is also a social behavior for chickens, they cluck and communicate when they are enjoying certain foods. Afternoon is a good time as the other hen will be well fed, and not too competitive. But, just monitor them for any possible aggression on either end. This will also help your hen with possible depression, and later, reintegration, as she will have a friend.
Your hen is beautiful, she looks like an Easter Egger or Ameruacana?
Be patient, do offer more protein and some vitamins in her food are also helpful. I like Vionate vitamin supplement, it can be sprinkled on feed or foods. A good boost for healing chickens. It can be ordered on Amazon.
I sincerely hope she regrows at least some of her beak.
Keep us updated here on BYC, good or bad, we can all learn from you.
God Bless and peace to you.
There are other factors when rehabilitating chickens, with beak, feather or spur and toe nail damage, to consider.
When there is injury to the body, internal and/or, external, all resources go to healing the body first. Things like feathers, beaks and such will be the last to be repaired, in the healing process. As, these things are not essential for immediate survival. But, now that the wounds are healed, you should notice very slight regrowth of the beak.
It is fortunate that she didn't lose her bottom beak and tongue. Her top beak also still has the bone structure. Only the skin of the beak needs to be replaced. This happens in layers, the first will be soft, then subsequent layers grow over and a hardening slowly takes place. So, it is a process that takes some time. This is why avian vets will use an acrylic prosthetic to cover the beak till it is repaired.
Chickens are stubborn when they have to learn new routines, too. This may be why your hen is not accepting the solid food. Try, slowly reducing the liquid feeding, and offering plenty of solid food. She is unable to tear food right now, but she should be able to scoop it into her mouth. She won't starve if she doesn't eat for a couple days, make sure she is keeping hydrated though.
Ultimately, she needs to have the will to survive, and should eat the solid food when hungry enough. Perhaps you can put a docile hen in with her, in the afternoons. Provide some yummy foods and see if she'll follow the other hen, in enjoying a snack.
Eating is also a social behavior for chickens, they cluck and communicate when they are enjoying certain foods. Afternoon is a good time as the other hen will be well fed, and not too competitive. But, just monitor them for any possible aggression on either end. This will also help your hen with possible depression, and later, reintegration, as she will have a friend.
Your hen is beautiful, she looks like an Easter Egger or Ameruacana?
Be patient, do offer more protein and some vitamins in her food are also helpful. I like Vionate vitamin supplement, it can be sprinkled on feed or foods. A good boost for healing chickens. It can be ordered on Amazon.
I sincerely hope she regrows at least some of her beak.
Keep us updated here on BYC, good or bad, we can all learn from you.
God Bless and peace to you.
- Thread starter
- #8
I know it’s been a while but I thought some of you might like an update. All her wounds have healed but her beak will never grow back. She eats layer crumble now and does well with that. She also can eat soft foods, small pieces, and things she doesn't have to try too hard to get off the ground. She is still the top bird and sassy. Also still laying eggs on the regular. One tough little girl. Here are a couple of the best photos I could get of a moving target. Her beak is very red in the photos because she was enjoying her favorite thing, blueberries!
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She looks really good, you did an awesome job! Testament to giving them time to heal and to adapt. Congrats, and hope she lives a long, healthy life.
So glad you posted an update with photos!I know it’s been a while but I thought some of you might like an update. All her wounds have healed but her beak will never grow back. She eats layer crumble now and does well with that. She also can eat soft foods, small pieces, and things she doesn't have to try too hard to get off the ground. She is still the top bird and sassy. Also still laying eggs on the regular. One tough little girl. Here are a couple of the best photos I could get of a moving target. Her beak is very red in the photos because she was enjoying her favorite thing, blueberries!
It's wonderful that your hen has recovered and learned to adapt with her broken beak.
Thank you for letting us know the outcome, your information will be helpful to others in the future.
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