Broken Beak

MyBabyHens

Chirping
May 18, 2025
30
90
59
Yet another injury..

I was watching my hens eat, and noticed this hen [ her name is Puffin ] was not eating, and moving lethargically around, only sometimes lowering her head to peck. I took a closer look and realized the top part of her beak was shattered.

*beak is still intact, just broken *

I only just noticed her symptoms today, but i have also been busy, and unable to thoroughly watch my hens-- so I have no idea how long she has been exhibiting symptoms / had the injury. There was little to no bleeding.
She could be getting specifically attacked by my 3 older hens, as she is a new layer and the other elder hens and her share the same laying area. They could be fighting over the spot. The rest of my new chickens are not currently laying.
She is sort of drinking but trying and failing to eat. I gave her my softest chicken food [ don't remember what its called, I'll find it and edit this later ] to see if she would try it.
I recently gently washed her beak so it wouldn't get infected, but haven't gotten able to do much- I found her maybe 30 minutes ago. What else should I do ?

I put her separated on my deck for the time being, with a towel covering her cage, food and water, and a bit of wood chips. The temperature outside is around 70 degrees F.

This was typed in a rush, things might seem confusing.. will edit later.
 
Yet another injury..

I was watching my hens eat, and noticed this hen [ her name is Puffin ] was not eating, and moving lethargically around, only sometimes lowering her head to peck. I took a closer look and realized the top part of her beak was shattered.

*beak is still intact, just broken *

I only just noticed her symptoms today, but i have also been busy, and unable to thoroughly watch my hens-- so I have no idea how long she has been exhibiting symptoms / had the injury. There was little to no bleeding.
She could be getting specifically attacked by my 3 older hens, as she is a new layer and the other elder hens and her share the same laying area. They could be fighting over the spot. The rest of my new chickens are not currently laying.
She is sort of drinking but trying and failing to eat. I gave her my softest chicken food [ don't remember what its called, I'll find it and edit this later ] to see if she would try it.
I recently gently washed her beak so it wouldn't get infected, but haven't gotten able to do much- I found her maybe 30 minutes ago. What else should I do ?

I put her separated on my deck for the time being, with a towel covering her cage, food and water, and a bit of wood chips. The temperature outside is around 70 degrees F.

This was typed in a rush, things might seem confusing.. will edit later.
Photos would be really helpful.

Being lethargic is a bit concerning, it may just be due to not eating well and drinking.

Provide her with a dish of wet soupy feed to eat and make sure she's drinking.

Without seeing the beak, I have no idea to the extent of the damage.
That said, if it's just cracked, it may be repairable (link below). If it's not, then in time most beaks will heal up on their own just fine.

https://the-chicken-chick.com/repairing-chickens-broken-beak/
 
Being lethargic is a bit concerning, it may just be due to not eating well and drinking.
Provide her with a dish of wet soupy feed to eat and make sure she's drinking.

That said, if it's just cracked, it may be repairable (link below). If it's not, then in time most beaks will heal up on their own just fine.
Alright thanks !
 
Update for anyone here..

She is eating well and drinking some. I treated her beak with the guide @Wyorp Rock gave me, very helpful ! [ thanks again ]
Keeping her in still to make sure she's still okay, and seeing why she is still lethargic.
 
Update for anyone here..

She is eating well and drinking some. I treated her beak with the guide @Wyorp Rock gave me, very helpful ! [ thanks again ]
Keeping her in still to make sure she's still okay, and seeing why she is still lethargic.
She's still lethargic?

Do you have photos of her?

Any other injuries beside the beak?

Does she lay eggs, what is her poop like?

Was she being picked on?

I've had broken beaks and yes, the bird(s) were cautious for a few days eating/drinking because of tenderness, but not lethargic.

Being lethargic is very concerning, so do keep working on her drinking and eating, check her crop to make sure it's emptying overnight, look for lice/mites, etc. Hopefully you can figure out why she's so droopy.
 

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