Split in beak help

Wax_Crayon

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Hi team,

Our much pampered flat-chicken, cause of a million problems, appears to have a small vertical crack running up from the centre of her beak. It's about 3mm in length.

Tried to get a photo this morning but she wouldn't hold still (and I'd have to create a flickr account or something to show it to you, but if I were to try to paint it, it would look like below (with dots added to make things line up):

\..../
.\|/


It probably comes from pecking on our hard floor (we try to keep her off the carpets because she poos everywhere).


My concern is that if the crack continues to spread upwards we could have a serious problem.

However, I've heard batteries get their beaks clipped/cut to take the end off, and this, done above the crack, might prevent it spreading. (We'd have the vet do it.)

What do you all think?
 
Elvis, my rooster, had this a year or so back. I was worried like you, thought he might end up with his beak split in two and unable to eat or drink. It sorted itself out on its own though, I can't exactly remember how but I think a small bit did break off but he managed perfectly well with a wonky beak for a short time before it grew back.

I wouldn't worry about it, just keep an eye on her.
 
No problem Wax_Crayon. As Dawn has advised, they do sort themselves out and it's probably a Calcium deficiency issue from captivity. Cropping the beaks can result in poor growth and they don't grow back so I wouldn't advise it. If the crack is a problem resort to fingernail repair techniques -super glue!
 
This could have occurred because she has been de-beaked but if not, I'd just keep an eye on it for a while and wouldn't trim any more off at this stage. As Chris has said, super glue may be the answer.
 
Thanks for your advice Chuck, Chris and Dawn. Her beak seems to be staying as it is, so it probably was calcium deficiency.
 
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