Hole in beak

[Aime137]

I have a cochin pullet, about 4 months old, that has a hole in the top of her beak. I don't know if she injured herself or if it could be caused from something else, such as vitamin deficiency or fungus. It couldn't have been there for very long. She seems to be eating and feeling alright. Does anyone know what this might be from and if I need to treat it? Do beaks heal and grow back?

 

[hens that type]

i wish i had an answer for you... but your post almost made me jump out of my chair because i *just* noticed a hole in my chickens beak too! She is about a year old and has been acting sick for two weeks. Been on antibiotics to no avail. I suspect that mine cannot digest food properly, as she was laying really thin shelled eggs for a while (despite a healthy diet). I just saw the hole today, but it could have been there for a while. Hopefully your chickens story has a happy ending.

 

[Haunted55]

First for both of you, is it possible they are constantly rubbing their beaks on the fencing? Maybe worn a hole in their beak? I've never seen this before myself, but I know my turkeys will walk the fence over and over and drag their beak looking for a way out. Just a thought. I would try putting my some Vet RX on it and see what happens.

For the soft shells...I used a a calcium 500mg with vitamin D 1000iu chewable tablet in a small amount of water for my goose who had prolapse as well as egg binding and rubber eggs. I only gave it to her a few times and have not had to repeat it at all. Her eggs are just as hard as can be. I have also done the same for a chicken who was having issues with her egss as well. 3 days and done. Her eggs are just as hard and nice as you read about. For some reason, the feed, Purina Layena Omega 3, oyster shell as well, were not doing it. I did this and she has now been 3 weeks with no problems at all.

 

[Aime137]

Thanks but I've been watching her and she isn't rubbing on anything, as far as I can tell. I've put an antibiotic on it. Today there was, what I think, a small scab on it. Then, today I noticed a hole in my 4 month old cockerel's beak!

It's in the same place and looks exactly the same. I've got VetRX but didn't think of using that. I might give it a try, thanks.
I've uploaded a picture of him. He is acting sluggish and was holding his right leg up a lot today. I couldn't find any problem with his leg, so I have no clue why he is favoring it. These chickens aren't even in the same coop, they are brother and sister though. With Thing 1 acting sluggish, I am starting to get very concerned. I haven't been able to find anything online. Help!!
As far as soft shells...I gave mine the oyster shell supplement also and it did solve the problem.

 

[hens that type]

I had my girl euthanized today.

Necropsy showed a very enlarged failing liver. We do give them egg shells and oyster shells free choice. Vet also said she had no eggs in her system anymore. Her liver was so big it was causing bowel obstruction... poor animal. **But the vet had NO explanation for the hole in the beak**. I've seen on other BYC threads that rubbing on a wire fence would cause the comb to be damaged too (esp when the hole is so near the comb like in the above photos).

 

[lymanmomof3]

so sorry for your loss So horrific to be doing all the right things and still lose the battle! I hope you find out the cause. Keep us posted because knowledge is power!

 

[lymanmomof3]

rubbing on a wire fence would've caused line-like worn marks on the beaks. This is clearly a hole. I'm dumbfounded by this. I've never heard of a such a thing. I'm wondering if someone in your flock was pecking at them relentlessly??

 

[PoultryGirly]

Maybe this will help you: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/422235/hole-in-beak-what-is-this-picture-included

 

[Sparrow]

Out of my first batch of 6 feed store bantams this year, 4 of them came with a hole in their beak in the same spot at only 2 days old. I saw another chick in the store constantly picking at the holes on their beaks, so I believe it was a result of being picked. One blue d'Uccle that I brought home had it really bad, but she and the others are all healed now. I would really consider picking to be a possibility, if I were you.

 

[Aime137]

I had my girl euthanized today.

Necropsy showed a very enlarged failing liver. We do give them egg shells and oyster shells free choice. Vet also said she had no eggs in her system anymore. Her liver was so big it was causing bowel obstruction... poor animal. **But the vet had NO explanation for the hole in the beak**. I've seen on other BYC threads that rubbing on a wire fence would cause the comb to be damaged too (esp when the hole is so near the comb like in the above photos).

So sorry for your loss! It's heartbreaking to loose one.

Thanks for keeping me posted. I'm still stumped.