Hens beak is broken

[FlyingNunFarm]

Nutri-Drench is a good all around supplement.
https://www.amazon.com/Bovidr-Labor...509329061&sr=8-1&keywords=nutridrench+poultry
I linked it to Amazon but you can get it at Tractor Supply or other farm and feed stores.

You can make a mash with whatever feed you normally give. Pellets or crumbles wet with water. Scrambled eggs are good. Extra protein won't hurt to help her heal. Anything soft really. Easier on her beak if she doesn't have to try and break it up. No teeth for chewing.

 

[WVduckchick]

Thanks so much for all your advice and encouragement! I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the responses. This is a wonderful group of people! I'm feeling less freaked out now because of you all! I'll let you all know how it's going.

Would love to hear an update as she progresses!

Nutridrench - miracle stuff in my book. Like 6 bucks at TSC. It's a very fast-acting vitamin, goes straight to the bloodstream. I give it to any weak chick, or any that just look a little droopy.

 

[chickens really]

This works...Liquid Bandaid or Crazy glue...Prop the beak open with a pen or pencil ...Have someone hold her and the pen in place and use a tooth pick to apply glue till its dry...Don't glue it beak shut...Go slow...

 

[WVduckchick]

This works...Liquid Bandaid or Crazy glue...Prop the beak open with a pen or pencil ...Have someone hold her and the pen in place and use a tooth pick to apply glue till its dry...Don't glue it beak shut...Go slow...

And don't glue your fingers! lol
Similar process is in the link Pyxis posted. I would never have thought to try that! I guess it would keep it cleaner, and protect it.

 

[smills4635]

Well, I see a trip to Tractor Supply in my future. I'll try some liquid bandaid, but I'd be afraid to superglue her beak shut! Lol! I'll give her some cooked egg as well, even though that seems cannibalistic somehow.... Thanks guys!

 

[chickens really]

With injured or sick Birds I never change or add different feed..When under stress the new food could cause more issues than help the Bird..Water is the most important...

 

[smills4635]

I was watching her for a bit and she doesn't seem to be in pain. She is eating. I feed them layer crumble and she ate some sunflower seeds from my hand with her sisters. All three of my girls have stopped laying though. And I still can't figure out what in the world could have happened! I cleaned it and put antibiotic ointment on it. On my way to Tractor Supply.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I've noticed my young birds looking they are molting and someone else on here asked if their 7 month old could be. Something strange is going on in the chicken world.

 

[Abriana]

What is nutidrench? And what kind of wet food should I offer?

Wet your regular feed and don’t leave it overnight. Give the hen new feed wetted in the morning. Poultry nutridrench is like an IV for a person, it gives the bird the nutrients it needs without it having to eat. You give it to the bird with a syringe. Carefully squirt it into the back of the throat, being careful not to squirt too much. It taste gross and smells gross and the hen will probably hate it. My rooster would let it dribble out onto me. And it gets everywhere in haste, be careful to store it upright, I learned the hard way!

 

[WVduckchick]

I give ND by rubbing my finger on the dropper and wiping it up the beak. Much less mess and not as much splatter! Lol
Also always follow the ND with fresh clean water.

As far as laying stopping, as the daylight hours get shorter, it is natural for hens to take time off from laying. Most first-season layers may lay thru the winter, but older hens usually stop almost completely, start back in the spring, when daylight is longer.