Piece of beak broken off?

[shandiane78]

Hi, someone gave me this hen, and I noticed something wrong with her beak. Looks like a piece has been broken off. Over time, it almost seems as if it's worn down more, though I'm not certain of that. The hen seems in good condition otherwise, and doesn't seem to have trouble eating and drinking. Is this something that will eventually grow back? Or should I expect it to stay the same? Or could continued pecking cause it to wear away over time? Is there anything I should do to protect the area and let it heal?

Thanks!

 

[CoopCrazy]

I think once they do break one they will continue to wear it down, luckily it is slow and she should be able to cope as it does.. One thing I would make sure to do is feed her in a deep feeder and make sure it doesnt get too low or she may have trouble scooping food out .. Otherwise if she is happy and healthy I wouldnt stress about it.. Chickens are very resilient critters....

 

[janjan1]

I have my old rooster that got the top of his beak broken off perhaps some what shorter than your hens. His "boys" beat him up really bad. I have since seperated them all. But his has never grew back to length. His bottom beak is much longer than the top. I have "trimmed" the bottom to help at times, but he eats soft foods that I take down, and eats out of a deep dish. I have noticed however, than he cannot pick things up off the ground like a normal chicken. So I make sure he has plenty of food available he can pick up. Dispite his beak problem, he is a happy roo. Loves to see me coming with chicken treats, scrambled eggs etc., fruit, anything he can eat.
Jan

 

[shandiane78]

Thanks for your replies! It looks pretty gnarly, but she's always out pecking around and keeping up fine with the others as far as getting the treats, so I guess I'll not worry about it.

Thanks again!