Cracked Beak

[Rick&Chris]

I just noticed a cracked/split beak on my approximately 4 month old hen. Any thoughts on what to do, or will it heal on its own? I've read crazy glue?

This is something new that just appeared - I have photos of her from about 3-4 weeks ago and it wasn't there. Never noticed any defects in her beak before now.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Is it cracked all the way through? She must have had some trauma to split it like that.

Tagging some experts @Wyorp Rock @azygous @Eggcessive

 

[Rick&Chris]

Is it cracked all the way through? She must have had some trauma to split it like that.

Tagging some experts @Wyorp Rock @azygous @Eggcessive

I’m trying to look inside her mouth. I need my husband to hold he so I can do a thorough check. It’s wild. No other injuries and I just noticed it. Wasn’t like that a couple of weeks ago.

Appreciate any advice. Some are saying super glue or leave it to heal on its own. I’m at a loss.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Mine have only hurt tips of beaks which I have left alone, but this is out my realm of experience

 

[azygous]

A cracked beak is extremely painful, exposing sensitive nerve endings. The best thing to do is the tea bag patch using super glue. Empty a tea bag and use the thin but strong paper to cover the crack, gluing it down with super glue. You'll need a helper to make it easier. This will prevent the crack from growing larger and possibly losing part of the beak which may not grow back if a large piece falls off.

Give one chewable aspirin twice a day for pain. Feed soft foods or moistened feed until the crack knits back together.

 

[Rick&Chris]

A cracked beak is extremely painful, exposing sensitive nerve endings. The best thing to do is the tea bag patch using super glue. Empty a tea bag and use the thin but strong paper to cover the crack, gluing it down with super glue. You'll need a helper to make it easier. This will prevent the crack from growing larger and possibly losing part of the beak which may not grow back if a large piece falls off.

Give one chewable aspirin twice a day for pain. Feed soft foods or moistened feed until the crack knits back together.

Thank you. We will do this! Do you mean one baby aspirin?

 

[azygous]

Yes, although we don't give aspirin to babies an longer.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you get a side view of her too?
What does her lower beak look like?

To me it's very odd for a crack. The split is symmetrical, smooth and not jagged like I would expect for a break or crack.

 

[Rick&Chris]

Can you get a side view of her too?
What does her lower beak look like?

To me it's very odd for a crack. The split is symmetrical, smooth and not jagged like I would expect for a break or crack.

View attachment 3869061

I thought the same thing. So strange. Here’s a pic I took yesterday. I’m going out to get a better look now. Her mouth was partially open because she was panting.

 

[azygous]

Panting is a sign of stress, in this case, pain.