One of my 5-mo. hens is acting lethargic and doesn't seem very interested in food. When I found her in the coop about an hour ago, it looked like her beak was cracked. Upon further inspection, I noticed that it was one 'layer' of her top beak that had separated, like it has flaked off - if that makes any sense. The 'flake' was almost completely loose and came off with a little wiggling. It appears that the exposed part of her beak underneath has hardened, but maybe it's still sensitive. She appears to have a fully intact beak.
I have separated her into her own pen in the garage with water, and food mixed with water to soften it. I offered her some yogurt and she barely touched it (and it's a fave!). I plan to put some antibiotic ointment on her beak after my husband gets home and can assist me in holding her.
Any thoughts on what else I should do? Should I just let her rest and keep offering her soft foods? Does this sound like an emergency to you? Thanks in advance.
I have separated her into her own pen in the garage with water, and food mixed with water to soften it. I offered her some yogurt and she barely touched it (and it's a fave!). I plan to put some antibiotic ointment on her beak after my husband gets home and can assist me in holding her.
Any thoughts on what else I should do? Should I just let her rest and keep offering her soft foods? Does this sound like an emergency to you? Thanks in advance.
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