What is on this beak? (picture)
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4Ellen
What is on this beak? (picture)
Can anyone tell me what this raised black spot is on his beak? Is it something I should be worried about? I just brought them home last night from the pet store, so I have waited before I catch him to try rubbing it off.
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lovezebs
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Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
4Ellen
Hi.
Hard to tell from photo. Could be a bit of dry food. Give them a little bathtub with some room temp water. Then see if 'It' is still there after he takes his bath. Any little container will do for a tubby, as long as they can fit into it lengthwise, with about an inch and a half of water in it. Prepare to be entretained.
Hi.
Hard to tell from photo. Could be a bit of dry food. Give them a little bathtub with some room temp water. Then see if 'It' is still there after he takes his bath. Any little container will do for a tubby, as long as they can fit into it lengthwise, with about an inch and a half of water in it. Prepare to be entretained.
~Elana~
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cindy
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Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
could be an injury, a clear picture looking down on it would help
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4Ellen
Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
Sorry but I tried and tried with the photos and that was the best one that turned out. Those little guys are so spastic...lol...I guess because they haven't been here a whole 24 hours yet.
I'll try the bathtub idea tomorrow morning when it's a brand new day. It's getting a bit darker in the living room so in a little while I'll be covering them up with a cotton sheet.
I HOPE it isn't something to worry about. I really don't want to take them back. Haven't thought of names yet because I don't know if I'm keeping them.
Sidenote: The affected bird is acting like any healthy bird, at least to me. He flies, eats, drinks, chirps, flies to the swing and the other 3 perches, and when he and the other guy huddle together on the branch they are quiet and relaxing a bit.
I'll try the bathtub idea tomorrow morning when it's a brand new day. It's getting a bit darker in the living room so in a little while I'll be covering them up with a cotton sheet.
I HOPE it isn't something to worry about. I really don't want to take them back. Haven't thought of names yet because I don't know if I'm keeping them.
Sidenote: The affected bird is acting like any healthy bird, at least to me. He flies, eats, drinks, chirps, flies to the swing and the other 3 perches, and when he and the other guy huddle together on the branch they are quiet and relaxing a bit.
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lovezebs
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Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
4Ellen
Hopefully it's just a little nothing and will wash off. I hope it's not an injury, but even if it was, I would imagine it could be treated.
You'll know tomorrow after bathtime. Did you notice if the 'thing' was there at the store? Did your pet store have other Zebbies, or were these the only two?
As I mentioned some where above, Zebras can get pretty feisty and at times fights can break out. Occasionally they may suffer an injury.
BUT, let's wait and see.
Hopefully it's just a little nothing and will wash off. I hope it's not an injury, but even if it was, I would imagine it could be treated.
You'll know tomorrow after bathtime. Did you notice if the 'thing' was there at the store? Did your pet store have other Zebbies, or were these the only two?
As I mentioned some where above, Zebras can get pretty feisty and at times fights can break out. Occasionally they may suffer an injury.
BUT, let's wait and see.
~Elana~
Linnies~ Canaries ~ Zebras ~ Societies ~ Gouldians ~ Orange Cheeks ~ Shaft Tails ~ Strawberries ~ Red Cheek Cordon Bleu ~ Goldbreasts ~ Red Brows ~ Owls ~ Budgies ~ Diamond Firetails ~ Javas ~ Forbes Parrot Finches ~
Linnies~ Canaries ~ Zebras ~ Societies ~ Gouldians ~ Orange Cheeks ~ Shaft Tails ~ Strawberries ~ Red Cheek Cordon Bleu ~ Goldbreasts ~ Red Brows ~ Owls ~ Budgies ~ Diamond Firetails ~ Javas ~ Forbes Parrot Finches ~
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4Ellen
Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
Well, the one without the affected beak got in and splashed around but the other hasn't tried it yet. I'll leave the plastic bowl in there for awhile, hoping that he goes in and tries it. He seems to be a bit more timid than the "normal". 
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wilkifam
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Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
So typical, the one you need to bathe does not, but the other one has a ball......Well, the one without the affected beak got in and splashed around but the other hasn't tried it yet.
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MiaCarter
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Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
Personally, I wouldn't be too worried.
It could be just a little chunk of food or poop.
Or it could be from an injury -- he was in a high-spook environment with exposure to lots of other birds who may not play well with others.
I'd give him a week. Wait until next weekend. There's no harm in that. He'll still be covered by the guarantee. That will give you time to see if if comes off or gets worse.
My money is on a bit of poop or a scab, which can occur from an injury. EIther may take quite a few baths to come off totally, esp if it's on the center of his beak like that. (As I'm sure you'll discover, finch poop has incredible stay-put qualities. You'll discover it as you try to wash wooden perches! It's shocking, the staying power of poo, even after a good soak in hot water! LOL)
But if the beak looks healthy, with a smooth, shiny texture, without large amounts of peeling and no erosions, and he acts healthy, I wouldn't be concerned.
It's hard to tell in the photo, but it doesn't look like beak mites to me, based on the color, the location and the amount that it protrudes from the beak. Beak mites typically erode into the beak, usually at its base, causing a scaly, crusty texture. It doesn't usually cause a big change in coloration (usually a bit lighter than the beak's natural color, not darker.) But the beak color looks totally even and healthy to me, based on what's pictured.
There may also be feather loss/breakage on the head around the beak (I believe it's due to itching), so you'd want to look for that.
I'd also look at his legs.
Are they smooth and normal?
Beak mites almost always accompany leg mites. It's the same mite, different body parts. In 4 of the half dozen or so cases I've seen in my fosters, both beak and legs were affected.
And if it *is* mites, it's a simple fix, especially since he would likely have a very minor case if it's just a tiny spot.
Personally, I always treat newcomers for mites and worms. Just as I always treat a new dog or cat for fleas and worms.
ETA -- Not sure how comfortable you are with birds (or specifically, catching birds) but if this was my guy, I'd net him and give his beak a little scrape-a-roo with my fingernail. Chances are good it'll come right off. But the bath route should do it too.
I also wouldn't be surprised if there's a little gouge under there from an injury or fight. The beak is a lot like your nails, both in the texture (though a bit harder) and in the speed of growth. It tends to grow in layers from the inside out, with the outer layer peeling off/wearing away. So a gouge would look better with time.
It could be just a little chunk of food or poop.
Or it could be from an injury -- he was in a high-spook environment with exposure to lots of other birds who may not play well with others.
I'd give him a week. Wait until next weekend. There's no harm in that. He'll still be covered by the guarantee. That will give you time to see if if comes off or gets worse.
My money is on a bit of poop or a scab, which can occur from an injury. EIther may take quite a few baths to come off totally, esp if it's on the center of his beak like that. (As I'm sure you'll discover, finch poop has incredible stay-put qualities. You'll discover it as you try to wash wooden perches! It's shocking, the staying power of poo, even after a good soak in hot water! LOL)
But if the beak looks healthy, with a smooth, shiny texture, without large amounts of peeling and no erosions, and he acts healthy, I wouldn't be concerned.
It's hard to tell in the photo, but it doesn't look like beak mites to me, based on the color, the location and the amount that it protrudes from the beak. Beak mites typically erode into the beak, usually at its base, causing a scaly, crusty texture. It doesn't usually cause a big change in coloration (usually a bit lighter than the beak's natural color, not darker.) But the beak color looks totally even and healthy to me, based on what's pictured.
There may also be feather loss/breakage on the head around the beak (I believe it's due to itching), so you'd want to look for that.
I'd also look at his legs.
Are they smooth and normal?
Beak mites almost always accompany leg mites. It's the same mite, different body parts. In 4 of the half dozen or so cases I've seen in my fosters, both beak and legs were affected.
And if it *is* mites, it's a simple fix, especially since he would likely have a very minor case if it's just a tiny spot.
Personally, I always treat newcomers for mites and worms. Just as I always treat a new dog or cat for fleas and worms.
ETA -- Not sure how comfortable you are with birds (or specifically, catching birds) but if this was my guy, I'd net him and give his beak a little scrape-a-roo with my fingernail. Chances are good it'll come right off. But the bath route should do it too.
I also wouldn't be surprised if there's a little gouge under there from an injury or fight. The beak is a lot like your nails, both in the texture (though a bit harder) and in the speed of growth. It tends to grow in layers from the inside out, with the outer layer peeling off/wearing away. So a gouge would look better with time.
Humum to....
13 Zebra Finches....and 2 squeeps!
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6 Gouldians
1 Weaver
1 Pintail Whydah
2 Cockatiels
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....along with 1 MinPin, 1 Pug, 1 JRT, 1 Yorkie, 2 Chihuahuas and 15 cats.
www.PetFinchFacts.com
13 Zebra Finches....and 2 squeeps!
3 Society Finches
6 Gouldians
1 Weaver
1 Pintail Whydah
2 Cockatiels
2 Parakeets
....along with 1 MinPin, 1 Pug, 1 JRT, 1 Yorkie, 2 Chihuahuas and 15 cats.
www.PetFinchFacts.com
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4Ellen
Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
I looked at their legs and they look healthy, nice and orange, to me. I might invest in a net so I could try and catch him and see if I can gently rub that spot off. I guess it's always good to have a net around anyway just in case they get loose.
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Ginene
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Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
4Ellen...I use an aquarium net from the pet shop. Just get a big one
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4Ellen
Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
Today is the 2nd day of bath time for the boys and finally the light colored one, the one with the black stuff on his beak, got in and splashed around. Yay! I noticed that the black bump of stuff isn't raised up anymore. The black spot is level with the beak so I'm still puzzled what it could be?
I bought a fish net this morning but haven't the nerve (yet) to try and catch him. lol, maybe my husband will help me out?
I bought a fish net this morning but haven't the nerve (yet) to try and catch him. lol, maybe my husband will help me out?
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4Ellen
Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
He does rub his beak on the perches but not every second. Even the other one does from time to time. Is that normal?
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wildbird
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Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
Birds wipe their beaks on perches all the time. It's just a behavior. It might be to keep their beak trim too. It sounds like something got stuck on his beak & is coming off. I would leave him alone & not risk catching him, maybe causing injury to him. It will probably come off eventually by itself.
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MiaCarter
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Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
Well that's good news!
Agreed with the others.
It sounds like it's coming off, which wouldn't happen if it was the result of mites (it would get worse, not better)
They do beak wiping as a normal part of behavior to keep their beaks trimmed and as a territorial behavior too. My guys in my main cage do it a TON (so much so that I'd even posted a video and requested thoughts as it's so frequent) but it's a quick motion where they wipe both sides of their beak in less than a second.
The cases I've seen with mite infested birds it's back and forth quite a few times over 2-3 seconds. It's more intentional and more like it *looks* like they're itchy.
It could just be a scab or a bit of poop. Poop would come off in stages like that and the last bits would look almost flush.
The sticking power of finch poop is incredible! LOL
Since it's coming off, I'd just let him be.
But if you do try to catch him, remove the perches, herd him down to the floor of the cage, then put the net on top of him and gently pick him up. If you do it that way, you can avoid getting their feet tangled up in the netting.
Depends on the size of the cage door. If it's one of the styles with the tiny access doors, rather than a large door, it's easier to release them into a small room like a bathroom (no hazards in there except for the mirror, so be sure to cover it with a sheet. Also, no ceiling fans!)
Then net him when he's landed on a flat surface. Again, just put the net over him, wait a couple seconds for him to calm, then pick him up (net and all)
And since you'll have multiples free in the room, remember to drag your feet/shuffle.
But really, I don't think you need to catch anyone if it's coming off. Give it a few days and it should be just fine.
Agreed with the others.
It sounds like it's coming off, which wouldn't happen if it was the result of mites (it would get worse, not better)
They do beak wiping as a normal part of behavior to keep their beaks trimmed and as a territorial behavior too. My guys in my main cage do it a TON (so much so that I'd even posted a video and requested thoughts as it's so frequent) but it's a quick motion where they wipe both sides of their beak in less than a second.
The cases I've seen with mite infested birds it's back and forth quite a few times over 2-3 seconds. It's more intentional and more like it *looks* like they're itchy.
It could just be a scab or a bit of poop. Poop would come off in stages like that and the last bits would look almost flush.
The sticking power of finch poop is incredible! LOL
Since it's coming off, I'd just let him be.
But if you do try to catch him, remove the perches, herd him down to the floor of the cage, then put the net on top of him and gently pick him up. If you do it that way, you can avoid getting their feet tangled up in the netting.
Depends on the size of the cage door. If it's one of the styles with the tiny access doors, rather than a large door, it's easier to release them into a small room like a bathroom (no hazards in there except for the mirror, so be sure to cover it with a sheet. Also, no ceiling fans!)
Then net him when he's landed on a flat surface. Again, just put the net over him, wait a couple seconds for him to calm, then pick him up (net and all)
And since you'll have multiples free in the room, remember to drag your feet/shuffle.
But really, I don't think you need to catch anyone if it's coming off. Give it a few days and it should be just fine.
Humum to....
13 Zebra Finches....and 2 squeeps!
3 Society Finches
6 Gouldians
1 Weaver
1 Pintail Whydah
2 Cockatiels
2 Parakeets
....along with 1 MinPin, 1 Pug, 1 JRT, 1 Yorkie, 2 Chihuahuas and 15 cats.
www.PetFinchFacts.com
13 Zebra Finches....and 2 squeeps!
3 Society Finches
6 Gouldians
1 Weaver
1 Pintail Whydah
2 Cockatiels
2 Parakeets
....along with 1 MinPin, 1 Pug, 1 JRT, 1 Yorkie, 2 Chihuahuas and 15 cats.
www.PetFinchFacts.com
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4Ellen
Re: What is on this beak? (picture)
I think I'll just let him be. It's comforting to know that it probably isn't anything serious from what all of you have told me. I'm growing attached the little guys so I'm glad I don't have to return them. Names haven't been finalized but close! lol. There are a few in the running.