SYMPTOMS OF WHY A BEAK IS GROWING TOO FAST

Some birds get blighted by beak deformities. These may include an overgrown beak, underscored by the elongation of the upper and lower beak, resulting in a scissor beak – which is a horizontal deviancy of the upper and lower beaks, and mandibular prognatism, where the tip of the rhinotheca sits on or inside or the gnatotheca.

Nutritional deficiencies

Overgrown beaks point to genetics and nutritional defects during the bird’s development. These deficiencies may manifest a liver disease due to excessive fat and undernutrition in the diet. A bird deprived of calcium and vitamin D can lead to soft, rubbery, saggy beaks, culminating in overgrown bills, especially in smaller birds like cockatiels. Some birds also demonstrate overgrown nails and claws. Simply place your pet on a balanced diet and these symptoms can be reversed.

Infections

Many bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral pathogens can explain why a bird’s beak can grow rapidly. Some noticeable symptoms include psittacine beaks, scaly legs and face ticks, and feather syndrome. If you discover something abnormal about your bird’s bill, notify your veterinarian asap!

Poor lighting

Vitamin D is essential for your bird’s overall health. Birds depend on Ultraviolet light from direct sunlight to synthesizes Vitamin D, essential for bill and bone health. Indoor birds do not have the luxury of this phenomenon as windows block UV ray exposure time and intensity. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to soft, saggy bones and abnormal upper beak growth.

Trauma

Trauma is a known cause of beak elongation and deformity in caged birds. Beak growth is dependent on the contact angle between the tips of the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandibular). Injuries to these tips can lead to the malformation and deformation of the beak.

Incorrect handfeeding

Perhaps the pet owner maintains an inappropriate feeding implement that applies pressure against the bird’s beak, resulting in deformations. They may also apply excessive pressure when cleaning the rostrum.

Administer food to your bird by introducing a syringe or eyedropper into its mouth. This is relatively easy as it will be excited that it’s getting fed and will gape with its beak open wide to receive the formula. Where the bird doesn’t gape, a soft tapping of the beak with the feeding contraption will prompt the bird to open its mouth. The tool should be carefully passed into the left side towards the right side of the open beak.

The administration of the formula should coincide with swallowing. Bird swallow with a strange repeated bobbing of the head in an up-down motion. While the bird swallows, the formula is dispensed rapidly. Over time, the bird develops quick feet for the activity, and when performed accurately, the filling of the crop can be achieved in an impressively short time.

At King’s Cages, we pride ourselves on being the foremost authority on bird wellness concerns. Head over to www.kingscages.com to view our vast array of bird wellness products.