Beak injury any help?

Last night, I discovered one of my older hens (she about 2years) had been attacked, but was still walking. She was shell-shocked and beaten down, but somehow still on two feet. Something had taken off lots of her neck feathers, and also chewed off her comb. The problem, whatever attacked her took off most of her beak! I've been surfing Google looking for specific info on whether a beak can grow--you know, like a fingernail, or horse hoof?? Call me a softy, but we didn't have the heart to put her down. She's been drinking water, and we've been feeding her dropper-style.
The only thing similar was a few years ago, when we caught a skunk who'd been making nightly "digs" under the chicken house--he'd eat the head/neck and leave the rest. Yuck. Anyway, do any of you know whether there is hope for her beak? All I've been able to find is a bunch of articles on beak trimming. Thanks in advance-

This message was edited Sep 1, 2006 9:09 PM

Ohhhh! Poor little girl. She is one tough bird. That's great she's still able to drink/eat w help. I know what you mean about putting them down. Hard to do sometimes. We had to have our parrots' beak trimmed down every month. Maybe similar??? I would probably do like you. Look for more info and wait it out. Keep us posted. Best wishes.

If you can, bring her to an avian vet, or call around. Your cooperative extension ( answers agricultural questions and is out of your State College System~ or at least it is here, you could always call ours in NH, lol) should know the answer. YOu could call some vets and ask them. Good luck! keep up updated!

She's still hanging in there, and taking water on her own, so that's a good sign. I thought about calling ag extension after the Labor Day holiday.

Ourfarm, Is your hen Okay?