Broken upper beak

[lorad]

I moved my BS chicks into a larger pen last Sat., only to arrive home from work to hear painful cheeps from them. As I checked on them, I noticed a guinea keet (they were hatched and raised together) peck at one peachicks bloody beak. He is missing a chunk about halfway down his upper beak, and the distal end is wobbly. After cleaning and applying neosporin to the wound, he is now isolated to see if he can figure out how to eat and drink with a broken beak. I can only assume he flew into the fence and broke it since I have not seen cannibalism (and usually that starts with feathers or feet?). So far he is alive and kicking, but I'm debating about a permanent fix. Any ideas if the beak will grow back (maybe misshapen)? Debeaking is done in chickens and some gamebirds and they still manage to survive- any hope? I've also tossed around the idea of a few very short metal pieces and some epoxy.... I'm tempted to see how things go. I'll try and get some photos up soon.

 

[HyLinda]

Superglue?

 

[lorad]

I don't think superglue would work- there's a 1/4 inch section of beak missing- that's why I was thinking epoxy-something to fill the gap. Plus superglue generates some heat when drying-may be painful... As of tonight, the distal end is not mobile anymore, and I can see feed knocked out of the feeder- all good signs of function in spite of the injury. He will stay separated until I'm positive he's able to compete with the group for food. Too bad it may be in a Labrador sized dog crate....

 

[chickenzoo]

would be careful with Epoxy and superglue as some generate heat and can also toxic or have toxic vapors......I do know when i use to do faux finger nails that they had fiberglass kits that the fiber was sticky backed, and then you added the glue. Dried real hard..... I know they have hoof filling material that farriers use on horses... but might have the same problems... humm. Birds will bite on each others beaks, over pecking a tasty treat or begging for food from another. Most beak injury's will right themselves in time. i would soften it's food to make it easier.

 

[deerman]

Yes Superglue, just to keep it clean as it heals. feel its crop to see if there is food in there. it should grow back , as they grow their whole life, just like nails.

 

[Phage]

Dental acrylic may also work if you can get hold of some. It will hold fast, fill the gap and is (I think) non toxic.

 

[Resolution]

Quote:
this is probably the best suggestion in my opinion