Beak Problem or Not?

Kokoko · Regular Member Joined: Jun 13, 2007 Posts: 22

Hi,

Koki weaned about 3 weeks ago and seems to be in good health. Active and eating (or trying) just about everything available.

Her bill was normal. Then about 4 days ago I noticed what I thought was a piece of stuck on veggie. I figured she'd wipe it off. Next day it was still there so I picked her up and held her. I dipped my finger in water and rubbed it on the (what I thought was) stuck on food. She calmed down and this was the easiest it ever was to handle her. I kept moistening the spot and gently rubbing.

When it came off I noticed what looks like a third nostril! This was not there before. Maybe the skin around the nare came lose and moved up, but I don't think so. She seems very normal and happy otherwise. I have no experience with birds so I'm worried. Can anyone explain this? Does she need a vet?

-Ronnie

BIGBADBK · Snr Member Joined: Apr 05, 2007 Posts: 48

If in doubt go to a vet. Not worth the rest of doing nothing.

hilly · Snr Member Joined: Sep 07, 2006 Posts: 38

Hi Ronnie,
The hole in her beak is not normal but looks like the result of a foreign object being stuck there for quite a while when the beak is soft as a baby.
I don't think there is any need to be alarmed as birds can manage with much larger damage to their beaks than what she has and she looks quite healthy.
She may have also had the hole from very early and it just filled with food and wasn't noticed.
You can also get beak abnormalities from a minute mite called scaley mite which is very familiar with budgie breeders and can be fixed by treating with ivermecten, a couple of drops on the skin behind the neck,
but i don't feel this is your birds problem but if in doubt take her to an avian vet.
Hope this helps cheers

Jenny

Kokoko · Regular Member Joined: Jun 13, 2007 Posts: 22

Thanks guys, she seems very active and playful. The hole was looking smaller and smaller to my poor eyes, but this morning it seems to have filled in with some soft tissue or food again so I will clean it out and keep an eye on it. Thanks for the insights.

Ronnie