Broken bill

[Blondiega1]

One of our hatchlings from this spring has the tip of her bill missing.
She's only about 10 weeks old. I just noticed this a few days ago.
She's eating and drink fine and it doesn't seem to be bothering her.
Any idea if it will grow back?
Anything I can do for her?

 

[GitaBooks]

Can you post a picture? It may not grow back, but if she can eat and drink she should live well with it. However, she may have problems preening herself and spreading her oils to make herself water proof.

 

[chickenpatch]

She may have problems in future with keeping mite free or oiled, so you just have to be a little more careful. I think she should be fine growing up if she can eat and drink well. Did she hatch with the missing bill or has she broken it?

A picture will help

 

[Orca5094]

Yes, picture please!

As others have said though, as long as she's still able to eat and drink she should be fine and adjust to life without the tip of her bill. Highly unlikely it will grow back.

 

[Blondiega1]

I'll try to get a picture when I feed them again.
She was not hatched this way.
I've just noticed it in the last couple of days.
I wonder if a Turtle may have got her while in the lake. Who knows......

 

[Orca5094]

Turtle bites can cause alot of damage to duck feet and legs (and they can also kill/eat ducklings), so that is a possibility. How big is this lake? Is it possible to remove and relocate the turtles at all?

 

[Blondiega1]

Here's the best I could get.
You can see her tongue some.

 

[Amiga]

I would be concerned to know if there's a turtle. This could be a warning shot. She is lovely!

 

[Blondiega1]

We live on a 5 acre lake.
Turtles are common.
First time in 5 years owning ducks that I've ever seen this happen.

 

[City farm]

Oh poor girl... I would be concerned , keep an eye on her when digging in the mud for bug's. You might have to feed her separately for extra protein.. It looks like her nail (bean) is completely missing.. Do you have any other problems with their feet from the turtles? As others have stated you might have to keep her separate if she can not keep herself oiled. What is your ratio drake to hen's? Keep us posted..