My rooster is missing his top beak! What do I do?

[aart]

Personally, I think nipple watering would be hard for him to navigate. He would have to peck it in order to get any water - he only has a bottom beak, so I am unsure how he would peck and catch water at the same time.

A vertical nipple might actually work well, but not the horizontal ones, he could tap the pin with that bottom beak and water would run right into his mouth.

Very odd situation.
As there was no bleeding, unless I missed that part, I wouldn't treat it like a wound.
Wonder of there was some kind of injury that caused the beak to crack and 'die' then break off?
Sure hope it grows back, but I've got my doubt.

 

[ChikenChik]

You think even when it’s completely gone ? Did what you read say it will still grow back? I read it’s very painful but he’s pecking at my shoe so he can’t be in that much pain- right?

I am not sure. The pictures were pretty far back but maybe not as far as yours. She glued the beak back on actually and it eventually grew out. I guess time will tell. Chickens don't really show pain I guess but I would think if something hurt he would stop doing it lol

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I don't think it will grow back, the damage is too far up.

 

[Noellereagan]

I don't think it will grow back, the damage is too far up.

Do you think it’s possibility for him to live a normal life without a top beak? So far, so good- but it’s only been a few days.

 

[Noellereagan]

A vertical nipple might actually work well, but not the horizontal ones, he could tap the pin with that bottom beak and water would run right into his mouth.

Very odd situation.
As there was no bleeding, unless I missed that part, I wouldn't treat it like a wound.
Wonder of there was some kind of injury that caused the beak to crack and 'die' then break off?
Sure hope it grows back, but I've got my doubt.

Great suggestion. He seems to be getting food and water okay, as I took all the suggestions of most commenters who so generously took time out of their day to give some input. The rubber dishes are a good system. He knows he gets preferential treatment now so now he’s REALLY friendly. And it is odd. There was zero bleeding. I hope it grows back too. But I too, have my doubts. I just hope he can survive like this. He seems to be using his tongue as a top beak. He gets the food in his mouth that way and then “chews” and swallows. Animals are so adaptive. It’s amazing.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes, I do believe he can adapt and thrive!
You may need to watch the bottom beak that it doesn't overgrow, but he may naturally hone it.

Chickens, for me are just wonderful and can learn new things if given time and care like you are doing with your fella. There are some amazing threads here about chickens that have lost their beak. One that stands out is Miss Fuzzy Bum it's a good read, but at least start on the first page this shows the damage- if you want to skip some of the treatment she received then just scroll through the pages to find more updated photos of her. There was a video somewhere in there too, but I didn't find it quickly - last updated photo was on page 48 Sweet thing is still going as far as I know. I hope you find it inspiring.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/plese-help-chickens-beak-got-bit-off.848424/

 

[aart]

And it is odd. There was zero bleeding.

I was just thinking about this while cleaning the coop this morning.
Wonders if beak was cracked for quite a while and the 'break' healed up before the beak fell off?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I was just thinking about this while cleaning the coop this morning.
Wonders if beak was cracked for quite a while and the 'break' healed up before the beak fell off?

I think your wonders is probably correct
I had also thought about that since the break already looks "healed".

 

[aart]

I think your wonders is probably correct
I had also thought about that since the break already looks "healed".

Can't think of any other reason a break that large and close to the head would not bleed like the dickens. Still very strange. Also wonder if it was an injury or a genetic/development defect in the beak formation.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can't think of any other reason a break that large and close to the head would not bleed like the dickens. Still very strange. Also wonder if it was an injury or a genetic/development defect in the beak formation.

I suppose it will remain a mystery.