Broken Beak

[chris]

Separating this out from my other thread, as per the pic in there, here's a shot of her beak:



I've tried supergluing it on, which hasn't worked - I think in her mad attempts at getting away from the others she's catching her beak on the mesh and pulling it off again.

The broken bit is now only attached on via the very tip, by I think some skin - it opens out like a flap, almost like a car bonnet that is hinged at the front - if you get what I mean. It's bothering her as it flaps out open.

I don't want to pull it off as with beaks, I've idea how low down the blood supply goes. If she gets it caught in the mesh she'll definitely rip it off, if it bleeds it'll no doubt attract the attention of the others which will peck it.

I've glued it back down again this morning, but short of doing this or a trip to the vets any other suggestions? I don't really want to be stung with another massive vet bill with recent expenses as of late - but obviously will if necessary.

Am I correct in thinking the blood supply to the beak is similar to the quick in the nails?

TIA!

[petal]

yes, it will bleed, separate her asap-large cardboard box, until superglue sets- remove main bully hen to keep with her thereafter so they bond then return her to group?

[chris]

Sorry about lack of reply - had a hectic day in work. Just got back, checked on her - and it's been ripped off. Couple of drops of blood where she perches (and duly messes all over my nice newly painted coop!!), no other blood anywhere else. Seems to have scabbed over now.

She's on a perch with one of the older lot now so will check on her early again.

At least it saved me from hurting her, which I didn't want to do incase she associated that pain with me! I'm glad it's off now, as it needed to come off. Will keep my eye on her now and make sure she's eating (eats fine out of my hand, but want to ensure she'll cope without me mollycoddling her! )

[Mikey]

Jeez mate, I'm starting to wonder how hard it is for chickens to adjust to a new environment, we had all sorts of problems when we first got some birds, but they aren't any bother at all anymore. I'm going to have to think seriously about getting some additions to the brood, my two are very dull as it is and scared of everything, me included. I'm not sure adding some extras in will improve the situation.

Is there a chicken counsellor around here somewhere?

[chris]

It's settling down now. I think the reason it's heightened is that I've locked them all in a smallish run. I wanted them to get their pecking order sorted, and get the new lot used to me. They're fine with me now, but I won't let them out of the run when I'm not there yet. The first day I had them one was by the run door then just flew up over my head onto my boundary fence! Thought I was going to loose her, but thankfully someone was walking past my fence, which spooked her and she jumped back down.


When the oldies are out of the run they're fine. When in the run, they stay out of the way... which is to be expected. I've bought some anti-peck spray to give the little one some leeway whilst she gets over her beak injury

I'm glad I bought them though, I've always had a thing for birds - since I was a kid. I've kept loads, budgies, cockatoos, etc.

Roll on the 6 eggs per day!

[Jax]

Mikey, dont worry too much. The initial bullying can be bad but after a couple of days it calms down.

Chris, Im glad your girls are calming down now x

[Mikey]

I've always had a thing for birds - since I was a kid. I've kept loads, budgies, cockatoos, etc.

Roll on the 6 eggs per day!

Well you learn something new everyday.

If I had 6 eggs a day, I don't think I'd sleep at night.