Very short beak

[Nox394]

I was given 3 hens and 2 have had their beaks cut or possibly an genetic issue. I am unsure. However, my one girls beak is VERY short and I’ve noticed when I give treats she can’t eat them. It’s like she can’t grasp or pick up very well. Obviously she can eat her feed because she has survived this long and seems healthy otherwise.

I feel terrible that she is unable to enjoy her treats like the others. They steal it from her before she can even try to eat it. Should I try to give her treats separately? Do it mash and cut it smaller? I’ll include a photo of her, she is the black one in the middle hen 2.

 

[hysop]

They will need a lot of special attention. I would feed them individually. Are those the only three you have? Maybe fermented feed with work for them since it will be mushy and possibly easier to pick up with their beaks instead of dry feed.

 

[Eggcessive]

I sometimes give my hens feed mixed with water, and changed daily so that it doesn’t mold or spoil. This may be easier for the one with almost no beak, especially if you put it in a small pan or bowl with sides. Scrambled egg sections are easier for those chickens as well. There was a chicken several years ago who lost her entire beak in a dog attack, and she learned to eat again by getting scrambled egg until she was able to get the chicken feed again.

 

[Nox394]

They will need a lot of special attention. I would feed them individually. Are those the only three you have? Maybe fermented feed with work for them since it will be mushy and possibly easier to pick up with their beaks instead of dry feed.

I have 3 others as well. I will look into the fermented feed. The other black one doesn’t seem to have any issues with eating so far. Just that one

 

[Nox394]

I sometimes give my hens feed mixed with water, and changed daily so that it doesn’t mold or spoil. This may be easier for the one with almost no beak, especially if you put it in a small pan or bowl with sides. Scrambled egg sections are easier for those chickens as well. There was a chicken several years ago who lost her entire beak in a dog attack, and she learned to eat again by getting scrambled egg until she was able to get the chicken feed again.

That’s a good idea. I will give that a try. Thank you!