[beth123]

Evening All

I've noticed today that there is something wrong with my warrens beak.  Its a bit difficult to describe but I'll try my best.  There is a little dint in her beak and the only way really to describe it would be that it looks like a sea shell that has been worn away in that you can see lots of layers around the dint.  I've had a good feel at it and she doesn't seem in any pain.  Does any one have any ideas?  I know its difficult given my description.  If anyone needs to see a photo I can put one on in the morning.   

[joyfull]

any chance of a photo?

[beth123]

Hope this helps

[beth123]

Joyful is does seem worse this morning. It white all the way around the hole where as yesterday it was the same colour as the rest of her beak.  I'm really worried about her. 

[Jeanette]

Sorry i cant help but i am sure someone wil be along soon who will know more.

[Casey76]

Hi there.  It might be a trip to the vet I'm afraid.  It is possible for hens to get bacterial and/or fungal infectins in their beaks if they are injured - unfortunately they are quite difficult to treat.

The vet will also need to trim the lower beak too, as a vertical split, like your hen has, is likely to keep on splitting unless it is clipped off above the split, and it can also be quite nasty.

Sorry if this is not the news you were wishing to hear

[beth123]

Hi there

Thanks for the advice Casey, she doesn't have a split in her beak I think its the angle of the photo.  What do I need to ask the vet to do? Might sound daft but they don't treat chickens however they will give me a prescription if I know what to ask for. 

You say it's quite difficult to treat, what's the worse case scenario?

[Casey76]

Hi Beth, I don't have any personal experience, just some information from another forum, where the vet first debrided the infected area, and there there was a loooong process of applying both topical and oral antifungals.

Worst case scenario (if is it a fungal infection) it completely eats away her top beak

Are you sure about the lack of split in her bottom beak?  it looks as if there is a split running up the middle with one half of the lower beak being longer and more pointed than the other?

[ManicMum]

Beth, just from reading this forum, I have realised it's really important to find a vet who DOES treat poultry.

Where are you in the world - I'm sure someone on here should be able to give you a contact (without of course recommending or endorsing....)

It sounds a bit hit and miss that the vet will prescribe based on your diagnosis which is based on a photo on a forum (however knowledgeable). 

[Alby]

Hi Beth , try this lnk its the best I could find.
http://www.dropshippingplanet.com/blog/how-to-identify-bird-beak-problems-invisalign-braces

    Good luck    Alby

[orchardlady]

I know this sounds a bit off the wall but you could try a chiropodist. They treat fungal infections in nails all the time and might be more knowledgeable about the details of fungal infections than a vet.

OL

[beth123]

Thank you for all your suggestions, I have basically rung all the vets in my area and they all say the same, they don't have enough knowledge to treat chickens.  Is a chickens beak the same as any other bird?  The reason I ask this is because if the vet could diagnose a parrot they should be able to diagnose and treat my hen.

There is a big difference between how it looked yesterday and how it looks today, it's loads worse.  Do you think I've caught it too late?

[Pol]

Hi Beth,
if you think it is a fungal infection have a look at this site its about beak fungus
www.birds-online.de › ... › Parasite infestation
you may see something similar to your hen
I would take her to the vet they should be able to help you
Pol

[Pol]

Hi beth
I think I done something wrong with the site will try again

[Pol]

Hi Beth,
try this If you go on the internet put in the search
Birds Online-Health and Diseases Parasite Infestation
the pictures are of budies beaks it may help
Pol