debeaked

[hdowden]

ok walked outside to feed the chicks and one of my pullets top beak was gone. i was shocked. anyways she has her whole bottom beak and i was wondering is there anything i can do that would help her to eat and drink better.

 

[klmclain1]

Wow....my guess is that you're going to need to cull her. Sorry...

 

[JakRat]

Can you post a pic?

You may need to just feed her a softer diet for a while, something she can lap up. Beaks can grow back, but I am just not sure how much.

 

[hdowden]

her top beak is completely gone and she can eat and drink, i just want to make it easier on her to do that. chickens are remakable at adapting, as long as she can get eat and drink i dont see why she would need to be culled. i'm thinking the standered size chicken got her through the fencing beacuse i never see mine fight just pecks on the head for the pecking order but that rooster i think got her is a mean thing.

 

[terryg]

Chickens also use their beaks to preen. They need to be able to get at their gland by their vent to do this. They need to be able to use the sharp tip of their beaks to peck at lice. They need that point to get small bits to eat. This is why the burned-off beaks of hens in commercial flocks is such a cruelty. You'll have to decide, as she heals, whether with a stunted beak that she'll have a good quality of life and be able to stay healthy. Best of luck!

 

[hdowden]

she's only a few months old so im hoping that it grows at least half way back.