The (ongoing) story of Kua, the broken-beak pullet

[BigDaddy'sGurl]

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[Nambroth]

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Thank you for the idea! The funny thing is that she is self-regulating her to the tiled sections of the floor, where her 'messes' are remarkably easy to clean up!

 

[Nambroth]

Well, Kua had been doing really great! Eating like a champ and being the nicest animal house guest we've ever had! Then, tonight, she had a case of face-itches and just couldn't stop scratching at her face. I stopped her each time she did it, but other than wrapping her in a towel (she got overheated) I didn't catch it in time once and POP! Off came her bubblegum-colored fiberglass beak patch. Of course, since it was attached to the beak break, it popped that back open too.

I knew I had two options.
1. Drive 2 hours to an emergency vet clinic (if they could get an avian vet in on-call) and possibly wait forever for someone to be able to help us, all the while Kua is probably going to be beak-wiping and scratching and making things a million times worse. Pay $150 just to walk in the door and then however much for someone to glue the patch back on. Drive two hours home and get back in the wee hours of the morning, and then get up at 6 for work...
2. Glue it back on myself immediately.

I am an artist so I have a lot of various things at my disposal. In the end we used a bit of clear nail polish on the exterior to help seal the break back closed (we were very careful not to get any into the break). I hated doing it because of the odor, but it was a low odor polish and actually smelled less volatile than the alternative (superglue). I dried it quickly and used an acrylic gel to glue the patch back onto her beak. After how trusting she had become of us I hated to do it; she struggled and cried. How I wish we could have them understand!!

I should mention that there was no bleeding, oozing, or exposed soft tissue. If there had been, I would not have attempted anything myself without more guidance (if I had the option of more guidance). I know birds and their biology but I am not in the business of accidentally causing harm.

My repair is not as strong as what the vet initially did, and I have a feeling that she will be able to pop it off again if she gets to scratching and gets a claw under the edge of the patch (again). My real fear is if she does, and scratches at the exposed break, the angle of it would let her get a claw caught on the edge of the broken beak easily and she could tear it off with one itch! What a headache that simple scratching could do so much damage.

I will call my vet in the morning and see if she has any advice she can offer. I just hope that she does not advise that we bring Kua back in!

My heart leaps into my throat each time I see Kua scratching her face. Good grief...!

 

[welasharon]

You poor thing! I am so sorry. Yes it would be nice if we could tell them what/why we do what we do! Hang in there!

 

[TroutsChicks]

Oh dear! Maybe you can reasearch an epoxy putty that you can use to help. Maybe a medical store nearby? I have seen low Oder superglues for sale. Your so lucky to beable to work from home and enjoy your favorite chicken everyday and have hee in the house ! I would give my right arm to be able to do that and my left leg!!!!! Please keep us updated!

 

[Rockin' Reds]

Oh no...I wondered if that might happen because the pink piece is so large. I'm glad you were able to get it back on. We used super glue on Nugget and so far so good. Here's to hoping yours stays nice and stuck!

 

[?ZeZo?]

your a good chicken mama

hey does anyone know of a avian vet near Lancaster PA?

 

[Nambroth]

§ZeZo§ :

your a good chicken mama

hey does anyone know of a avian vet near Lancaster PA?

I don't live in the area, but you might check out John Hall, VMD at http://www.vcahospitals.com/smoketown/our-hospital.html as it appears he sees birds. If they won't see a chicken you can ask if they can refer you! I know there is a lady avian vet that has pet chickens in York but I'm not sure if that's too much of a drive for you or not.​

 

[ChickInDelight]

Amazing and uplifting story!
Hang in there!

 

[patricium]

Maybe you could rig up some socks for her, so she can't get her claw edges under the repair. Though that would probably cause more issues than it prevents.

I keep envisioning her wearing one of those cones they put around the necks of dogs and cats.

Best wishes for a good recovery! - I'd do the same thing for mine.