Peeling beak

[Fraza]

So my Vginge has a blue tint on his beak a few weeks ago as I posted a topic abit I sure if maybe it was off sun anyway it looks although it’s peeling is this bad I’ve never had it before

I’ll try to get a picture of it but he’s abit camera shy atkeast coco likes this male he normally likes to fight them but with him he’s preening it

[lovezebs]

Fraza

Hi Fraser,

Finch beaks do grow in layers, so once in a while you will see the different layers overlapping a bit.

Unless the beak is swollen or painful, I wouldn't be too concerned about it. Also some Societies, especially the darker mutations do have dark bluish black beaks. Many of the pied mutations have a beak that is half dark, half light.

There is however always a possibility of mites or infection, so if concerned, I would give your Vet a call.

Here are a couple of little write ups about different beak issues... READ THEM!

"""Dry / Peeling Beak

Dietary: Poor feather condition / long molts and flaky beaks suggests the bird's diet is deficient in the limiting amino acid methionine. Once nutrition has been improved, it may take 9 to 12 months for new feathering and a new beak to grow.
High levels of methionine can be found in sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, fish, meats, and some other plant seeds. Most fruits and vegetables contain very little of it; however, some have significant amounts, such as spinach, potatoes and boiled corn. Most legumes, though high in protein, are also low in methionine.""""

**********

"""""Lack of minerals / natural grooming aids: Providing sufficient cuttlebone or mineral blocks in your pet's cage will help your pet groom his or her beak naturally, usually preventing it from overgrowing. However, there have been concerns about mercury contamination with cuttlebones, which should be kept in mind. Excellent "beak conditioners" are lava rocks that are either suspended on chains or can be attached to cage bars. Cement and sandy perches are also effective for beak wiping and for keeping the beak groomed and should be cleaned often to prevent bacterial infection. Pet stores sell a range of beak conditioning products The above will help keep new growth under control, and will keep the beak healthy and in good form. It is also recommend to provide a variety of chew toys (typically wood) and natural bird-safe branches for your bird to chew on."""""

http://www.finchinfo.com/birds/finches/ ... _finch.php


P.S. Your birds looks very cold Fraser.

[MisterGribs]

I reccommend adding some gelatin powder to their egg mix. Just a pinch or two, unflavored and unsweetened. Make sure it is gelatin from animal products, and not agar or vegetarian gelatin. This helps them build their beaks, feather and claws.

Also check the feet for scabs, and watch for the area around their beaks to lose feathers. If you start to see this later you could have scaly face mites, but it doedn't look like they have this now, imo.

I agree with lovezebs, birds should only look that fluffy if they are cold, or feeling very bad. What temperature is your cage?

[lovezebs]

MisterGribs

Out door aviary.

[MisterGribs]

Hmmmmmmmm it might be a good idea to add some lamps.

[Fraza]

Hi yes it is an outside aviary and it was very cold today even frozen cars and bit of snow so yes he was cold however he is abit overweight aswell so it makes him look even begged

Anyway regarding the question I think the thing about food is right because I had this pair inside my house away from the others in the outdoor aviary and they wouldn’t eat any food apart from seeds so I think this may be the cause now that they are back in the aviry on ther 3rd day they have just started copying the others and eating egg salad and sweet corn so fingers cross it’s not an infection

However his female pair is starting the blue blue on her beak as he did hopefully it’s nothing I will leave them one more week and see how they are with the better food

Thanks for help today guys

[lovezebs]

Fraza

Fraser, with the colder weather, I would offer your kids some more fatty seeds like the ones listed below added to their regular diet:

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/types-of- ... ick-guide/

Because of the colder temperatures, they need the extra fat in their diet.

Sweetie, trust me on this, your birds ARE cold!

[Fraza]

Hi elana at the moment I’ve boight the seed mix called ‘large wild bird seed mix ‘ similar to this https://petopedia.petscorner.co.uk/wp-c ... xl_8-1.jpg

[lovezebs]

Fraza

Most of those seeds look like they woukd be too big for small Finches...
Do they have a Small Wild Bird Seed?

[Fraza]

lovezebs hi they are a little bigger than normal but they are still eating them and I have mixed it with zebra fonch mix aswell which I bought from pets at home but they are still eating them I thought I’d add bigger seeds because they would be better

Or should I stick with smaller seeds ?

[Fraza]

When I’m back I will put a pick up of seeds

[lovezebs]

Fraza

With Finches, I would stick with the smaller seeds, and as I mentioned, grab some of the fatty seeds mentioned above, which will help them do better in colder temperatures.

[Babs _Owner]

Fraza

I would only use a finch blend made for finches. As Elana mentioned those seeds look to big to easily hull.

Canary seed, white proso/german millet, red millet ....all my finches devour it. So a mix with a lot of that is a good start. Some finches love japanese millet (mine dont)...but it can't hurt to let your birds try it and see how they like it.

Nyger seed and hemp seeds are good seed to put weight on them and help them with the bitter cold. I would offer a bit of it daily with your winter weather, but remove hemp in the spring and summer when they dont need the added fat.

I'd also hang a sprig of millet in there every day.

[Fraza]

Okay I will have a look