Injured beak? With photos

[Marbled]

Hello,

My fairly young & generally healthy looking EE hen looks to have injured her beak somehow this morning. The dried blood doesn’t seem to be coming from the nostrils (obviously I’m paranoid that it’s a symptom of a respiratory disease) so is it safe to assume that she’s just banged herself up a bit? Her beak also looks like it may be slightly overgrown?

To make things more complicated, her sister just passed a day ago & she’s now the only remaining hen (was very distraught yesterday). She may also be broody right now, so it’s difficult for me to tell which of these factors, or if anything at all is actually affecting her behaviour.

She seems to have been sitting in a nest box for most of the morning, but has also had a drink, taken treats, walked around a bit and eaten quite normally from what I’ve seen so far. Also laid an egg yesterday.

Thanks so much, I’m just wondering if I can do anything to make her more comfortable. I am already picking up a friend for her tomorrow, hopefully she’ll be happier then

 

[coach723]

Looks like a minor injury to her beak and also her comb. Could have happened running into wire or something. Beaks can also get caught on feeders or rub on them and cause injury to the beak there. It should heal up fine. Visible blood can draw pecking from other birds, so watch for that, particularly since you will introducing a new bird.

 

[Marbled]

Looks like a minor injury to her beak and also her comb. Could have happened running into wire or something. Beaks can also get caught on feeders or rub on them and cause injury to the beak there. It should heal up fine. Visible blood can draw pecking from other birds, so watch for that, particularly since you will introducing a new bird.

Thank you very much! That makes me feel a lot better. I won’t introduce them immediately to give her some time to heal.

 

[coach723]

If you are not very familiar with where you are getting your new bird, then it's a good idea to quarantine for at least 2 weeks (4 is better), to minimize the risk of bringing any illness in. Some things show up during times of stress (like moving to a new home).

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

What @coach723 says is so important. I know you want her to have a friend but don't rush the process. Especially with bird flu going around. Make sure you quarantine the new bird. I have had birds with random injuries like that heal up just fine with no intervention at all, just keep an eye on her. She will be OK by herself for a few weeks and it might even aid her recovery

 

[Marbled]

If you are not very familiar with where you are getting your new bird, then it's a good idea to quarantine for at least 2 weeks (4 is better), to minimize the risk of bringing any illness in. Some things show up during times of stress (like moving to a new home).

What @coach723 says is so important. I know you want her to have a friend but don't rush the process. Especially with bird flu going around. Make sure you quarantine the new bird. I have had birds with random injuries like that heal up just fine with no intervention at all, just keep an eye on her. She will be OK by herself for a few weeks and it might even aid her recovery

Thank you! We do know & trust the person we’re getting them from, but I still plan to keep them separate for as long as I can to be safe. l’d like the new pullet to get a bit bigger anyways before I let them free range together.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Oh good! Let us know how things go! Hopefully she's all healed and has made a friend soon!