Turkey broke her beak!

[Bird Lady Literally]

Should I be concerned? My 1.5 yr old bbw Turkey(yeah, I know not the most original name but she wasn't suppossed to be a pet!) Anyway she somehow broke off about an inch of her top beak. The day I noticed I gently filed it smooth and started giving her soft food since I thought it might be sensitive but she is now happily eating anything and everything she can get as usual. Should I be concerned about her beak or just wait for it to grow back?

 

[Nyhillbillies]

Can you post a pic for the ‘broken beak’ specialists on BYC? (I am not one.)

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Should I be concerned?

Welcome to BYC!

Beaks are kinda like fingernails.. in that they are constantly growing IF they weren't de-beaked which may alter that.

If it wasn't broken below the quick or didn't cause damage to the quick then I do believe it should grow back. Posting pics may help though.

It's possible that filing back the bottom beak a little to more closely match the top *could* be helpful IF she's agreeable.

Ultimately her behavior is most powerful indicator of whether you should be concerned or not.. and your description sounds like there is NO cause for concern.

How long has it been?

Also, just worth mentioning.. because I like to look at deeper cause not just the symptom.. I wonder is there something that made the beak that brittle.. like improper nutrition as a young poult.. not enough protein or amino acids for example from using chick starter or other incorrect feed. It's seen fairly often on here.. by sheer uninformed mistake by many new keepers. (a year and half is not new anymore, but I don't know the back story and try not to presume anything)

And of course BBW, could have any number of conditions present by this age.. Sounds like you take good care of her, please do tell us her feed routine including treats and supplements.. and how you're keeping her healthy, roost height, etc.. for anyone else who's gonna read this and also end up with a "meaty" pet.

I just love their red, white, and blue heads! Hope she continues to thrive!

 

[Bird Lady Literally]

I guess I just needed some reassurance, she's my first turkey but yeah she seems happy and healthy. We started her on game bird starter for the added protein. As an adult and a good layer she eats our chickens layer feed but also gets fermented game bird feed that she LOVES, although she only will eat in small amounts, like less than a tbsp a day. She does get table scraps too but really only green veggies, occasionally plain pasta and rice. She also has unlimited access to egg shells that I bake to make sure they're clean. Plus she free ranges across 2 acres for around 6 hours a day where I know she steals cat food from our neighbors when they forget to put it up. Our neighbors love her antics and welcome her in their yards, plus she's like a guard dog whenever there are strangers around her flock( neighbor's kids and mine)

I'm definitely open to suggestions if any of this sounds problematic.

 

[Bird Lady Literally]

Forgot to say the break happened a few days ago and I'm almost certain she broke it trying to work the clasp on her gate since I see her do it all the time if I'm late letting her out or if I put her up before dark.