Help! Broken beak.

[BotannaBOK]

Hi everyone, I am new here. I got chickens a couple year ago as chicks, and have found threads from this forum so helpful over the past two years. I have a concern of my own, and didn't find anything specific to my situation, but saw many posts about broken beaks. My girl unfortunately broke the whole top layer of her beak off. I think she got startled and got stuck in chicken wire? She has always been skiddish, so she has suffered other injuries but recovered really well, like a cut comb.

Anyone have any insight or has this happened to anyone else? Again, her whole top layer of her beak broke off. She tried foraging a little, but everything is so sensitive she can't eat. She is now isolated from the flock sitting under a bush. She is obviously in a lot of pain. I cleaned it with Vetiricyn, but not sure what else I can do for her. It's the weekend and there are no vets near me that are open.

Any insight is very much appreciated. Keep my Olive in your thoughts! Her best friend in the flock is still looking around for her. It would be a heartbreak for myself and her sisters include. I really hope she will be ok.

 

[Chicken boy 1156]

Could you post a picture?

 

[BotannaBOK]

Could you post a picture?

Yes, I edited my post and here is a picture of the part she broke off

Could you post a picture?

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC! Glad to have you in this community. I do hope that there is a solution to fixing that beak.

 

[Tookie]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! We're glad you joined us!

Poor girl, I bet that is very painful for her!
Her beak should grow back eventually.
I think it would be best to separate her, near the flock, if possible.
For now I would soak her feed with water to make it soft and less painful to eat. Use deep bowls/dishes for her feed and water.
Hope she gets better soon!

 

[Chicken boy 1156]

Oh sorry I thought it might be something else I don’t know how to help that. Sorry

 

[BotannaBOK]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! We're glad you joined us!

Poor girl, I bet that is very painful for her!
Her beak should grow back eventually.
I think it would be best to separate her, near the flock, if possible.
For now I would soak her feed with water to make it soft and less painful to eat. Use deep bowls/dishes for her feed and water.
Hope she gets better soon!

Thank you for your response! I hope it is less sensitive after a few days. She is having a hard time eating even soft leaves. I’ll soak her feed in water. For the deep dishes, do you mean to fill it deep? Also how deep are we talking? Like your standard kitchen bowl or deeper?

 

[Tookie]

Thank you for your response! I hope it is less sensitive after a few days. She is having a hard time eating even soft leaves. I’ll soak her feed in water.

Aw, I do hope it is less sensitive in a few days.

For the deep dishes, do you mean to fill it deep? Also how deep are we talking? Like your standard kitchen bowl or deeper?

Yes, like a standard kitchen bowl, deep enough so she won't hit her beak on the bottom. Just a container a few inches deep would be enough.

 

[BotannaBOK]

Aw, I do hope it is less sensitive in a few days.

Yes, like a standard kitchen bowl, deep enough so she won't hit her beak on the bottom. Just a container a few inches deep would be enough.

Okay, thanks so much for the tips and encouragement. It means a lot to be able to have this conversation with other chicken owners. So glad to be apart of this community

 

[Burnt Brass Homestead]

Hi @BotannaBOK

I hope your hen get better.

Welcome!