Strange Beak Bruising On All Month Old Chicks

[ScratchScratchPeck]

Hi, I noticed today that all 7 of my month old chicks (Orpingtons and RIRs) have bruised, flaking beaks. I don't know what could cause this or how to treat it. I'm suspecting either fungal infection (which again I'm not sure how to treat or how they would have gotten it) or maybe they've damaged it by running up and down the run fencing when they get excited to see me. Here's a picture of one, they all look like this, but my Keets who are housed with them remain unaffected.

 

[coach723]

What kind of fencing or wire? They may be trying to get something on the other side.
What kind of feeders and waterers? Look for anything they can be trying to put their beak through, or abrading them on. Might spend some time just sitting and observing, to see what they are doing, might ID what's going on.

 

[ScratchScratchPeck]

Chicken wire is 20-gauge metal netting, I pour the feed into the grass to encourage scratching, and the waterer is pictured below. But they're always running up and down the fencing to try to get to me when they see me outside, so I'm thinking that maybe that's what's causing it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

they're always running up and down the fencing to try to get to me

This is the reason for the beak damage.

Provide them with a feeder instead of pouring feed on the grass. Feed will get moldy on the ground, will attract rodents and you'll have a lot of waste.