Cracked and chipped beak - isolate or not while away for a week - what would you do?

[Barred Feather]

The hen at the bottom of the pecking order cracked her beak at the very top (near the nose) and chipped along the left side. The beak is intact, but like a broken fingernail, the crack could get jostled and might rip off. The chicken is in isolation and is on mush food, but soon to be hard food again. She's healing up. She doesn't want to be in isolation. She's full of energy and wants to get out with the others. Next Monday, we are going away for a week. I'm conflicted about what to do. Keep her in isolation away from the others. This would be not the greatest accommodation for her and more work for the pet sitter but would protect her beak and herself she since is constantly being bullied. If I combine her back she'd be with her sisters in a better house but run the risk of increasing her injury with no one to care for her if something else happens. (I don't expect the pet sitter to watch out for and treat injuries). Plus long-term isolation would make it even harder for her when she gets combined back with the bullies. I need some advice about what you would do weighing these pros and cons.

p.s. In all the threads and info I read, I'm not clear if the beak will grow back if it cracked/chipped/ripped from the very top by the nose. Anyone know about this?

Thanks in advance for your response and support!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Photos? You don't have her isolated away from the flock do you (out of line of sight)? If it's not too bad I doubt she'll worsen it by being with the flock.

 

[Barred Feather]

Thanks for your reply! Well, the whole beak shell came off! Because it came off gradually, the underneath is not raw or bloody, but I can imagine that it is sensitive. I have decided to keep her separate for now. I don't trust her bully sisters. I've decided that she needs some alone time to get strong and eat her mush food in peace. She is in an enclosure next door so everyone can see each other.