Beaks

[Rosie.]

Hello,
First time back on in a long while....sorry I promise to try harder.

One of my ex-batt hens -Fred- has a beak problem. The bottom part has grown and curved to the point is now very silly looking. She is two years out of the battery cage, and did have her beak clipped there. Although her beak does not seem to either hurt or hinder her. I am worried it could get worse, and cause her pain. As she eats out my hand sometimes she often gets a beakful of me as well as her treat, which is fun for neither of us, and quite painful for my poor hand
Does anyone think that this could escalate into a big problem, or have any ideas on what can be done?

Thank you

-Rose

[Suechooks]

I'd leave it alone if its not bothering her - you'll just have to get your hand out of the way quicker!
Bottom beaks shouldn't be touched I don't think and she's managed this long as she is.

[Bramble-Poultry]

the problem with the lower beak is that if you do trim the tip (its like cutting a finger nail) it encourages it to grow back quicker, just as clipping your nails does. Once you start you cant stop doing it or it will get worse.

I would put her food onto a concrete slab, or give her some gravel to dig about in and see if she can naturally wear it down, rather than "operate"