Survived a racoon, badly broken beak

[Daniellina]

My big, fat, golden buff orpington was attacked last night, I assume by a racoon. Her beak is badly broken in more than one place. From what I can tell her bottom beak is ok, but the top is crumpled. She can open her mouth. I used saline water and q-tips to try and clean her beak and her poor, ripped off tail. The bleeding is slow but continuous on her beak, dripping a little blood on her breast. I have separated her from the other hens, and put water and yogurt in her box in the garage. Can she survive? Will her beak mend? Should I put her down? I'm so sad. We fell asleep in our daughters' beds and didn't close the coop in time.

 

[yotetrapper]

Her beak won't mend but I've read of many on here who have chickens with broke, or crooked beaks. If you think she's suffering, you should put her down. If she's not, I guess you could see if she'll be able to eat ok with it like it is, and if she gets along ok, I see nothing wrong with keeping her.

 

[KNP]

A similar incident here 10 days ago...possibly a raccoon too. Our Araucana/Americana hen had her upper beak ripped off and the lower beak is "forked". We have been feeding her a mixture of cooked grains and water through a straw or syringe every night. At one feeding I snagged a loose piece from the top beak that now we know was preventing/blocking her from eating/drinking on her own. She is "disabled" but seems to be lapping water and pecking food on the ground. If she ever appears to be suffering, we will put her down but so far so good.

 

[redhen]

An injured beak is SO SO painful for them.... ugh.. poor thing..

I dont know what i'd do either... because they can live okay with a messed up beak... if you feed her special...
Can you get us a pic so we can see the extent of the damage? that would help...

 

[KNP]

Finally got around to taking a picture of the beakless hen and learning how to post it. This hen has adapted to its disability...she can lap water, catch insects on the ground, take food away from other chickens. However, the other chickens tend to be cruel to her by pecking her but she seeks protection from the rooster and sticks her head under his body.

 

[LizzieMac]

Wow, How is this hen doing? She is amazing!