Young pullet with a broken beak

Chicky Lover

Songster
Mar 28, 2020
233
343
136
Texas
So, integration did not go well. The older chickens haven't been very nice to this little one. I don't know her age or her breed. My father said to just feed her the same food as the older chickens, which is purina layer crumble. I knew grower would be the best for her, but I couldn't argue with my dad. Does anyone know what I should do for her? Cleo (the pullet) has a broken beak. I don't know what to do.
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Yeah, I didn't think she was ready for layer either, but then there comes my father. He doesn't want to pay for two feed bags... I don't think either her or her sister get enough to eat because the bigger chickens are always chasing them away. I've always free-ranged the whole flock but am now reconsidering because they are always getting into other yards, and it's frustrating to get them back to where they belong. Cleo and her sister are currently free-ranging alone. (because they don't leave my yard)
 
The beak doesn't look to bad to me. I think it will heal.

As to the feeding issues.....

How many birds? How many feed stations? Any obstacles in the run so the new kids can dart behind out of sight?
 
Okay, just saying the white part is not her natural beak. Her beak is naturally black. The older ones actually broke the tip of her beak off. There are 8 birds including the little ones. Only one feeder and waterer. (should I have more? I am new to this) No run, because they are or were free-ranged till a few minutes ago. (the littles are still out) I feel like a terrible chicken owner right now. I hope they'll be okay. 😞
 
So 6 adults and 2 young ones.....yup you need at least 3 feed stations set up so the adults cannot easily guard them all.

Place a couple feeders in different spots so the young ones can hide behind something like a hay bale and be able to eat without being seen. Do the same with water stations.

I do see that her beak took a hit.
Is she eating without seeming to be in pain?
She may need wet feed for a week or so while it heals up.
Wet feed is exactly that. Feed that warm water is added to to make a mash the consistency of cooked oatmeal. It will be easier on her beak if she seems to be having trouble pecking.

How long have the new kids been in with the adults?

You might find it helpful to set up a pen so the new kids can be fed separately fora while.

I always recommend having a secure run if not for daily use then at least it is ready when the predators find your flock.

One other question.... How old are the new kids?
 
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It sounds like a lot is out of your control.
It looks like the tip has sheared off. There is a small amount of blood, but it doesn't look too serious. It should heal.

If you have a plate or something else you can use, try feeding the younger ones around a corner or behind something.
 
I'll definitely get another feeder and waterer. A run may be a little difficult. The coop didn't turn out how I wanted it to, but then again it was my father's choice. I'd love to have a run and a bigger coop, but that's a whole other story. I'll try to ask, maybe for Christmas. (lol it is the season of giving) Thank you for the reassurance.
 
So 6 adults and 2 young ones.....yup you need at least 3 feed stations set up so the adults cannot easily guard them all.

Place a couple of feeders in different spots so the young ones can hide behind something like a hay bale and be able to eat without being seen. Do the same with water stations.

I do see that her beak took a hit.
Is she eating without seeming to be in pain?
She may need wet feed for a week or so while it heals up.
Wet feed is exactly that. Feed that warm water is added to make a mash the consistency of cooked oatmeal. It will be easier on her beak if she seems to be having trouble pecking.

How long have the new kids been in with the adults?

You might find it helpful to set up a pen so the new kids can be fed separately fora while.

I always recommend having a secure run if not for daily use then at least it is ready when the predators find your flock.

One other question... How old are the new kids?

She doesn't seem to be in any pain. I'll wet her feed for a while, so her beak can heal. The littles have been with the bigs for maybe a little over two months. We've had no critical problems, till now. The littles are probably a little over 3 months.
 

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