Beak problems

I have noticed that one of the ex-bats her top beak is longer on one side and overlapping the bottom beak ( take it as they dont meet it hasnt been ground down so to speak).

Sorry no pics today as in work, but I'm hoping you all get the idea.

It's only overlapping a bit but she is the quietest and wondered if she was doing as well as the others. She is very thin so think it may be bothering her eating.

do I clip it a little so it is level with the bottom one or just leave it. It is nothing major just wondered for her well being.

Hi Em

I agree I'd leave it see how she gets on.
One thing I do find with Titch is she needs a deeper fuller dish for her feed. If there are only a few bits at the bottom she can't pick up the same as the others.
I use a dog bowl full to the brim and she manages great with that


Sarah

Good advice with the deep dish.  Some ex-batts can have very bad deformaties and as long as you cater for their needs there should be no problems.  Trimming should only be done by the experienced as they can bleed badly if cut too far back.  Some trimming can even make matters worse.  Unless she cannot eat, best left well alone.  Good luck.

Hi GD

You can try cuttlefish and if it's bought from a pet shop it will be ok, those found on the beach may need a good wash first.

I did put one in for my birds a few years back they never went near it


Sarah

Do not know if the hens would be interested in cuttlefish but they would do no harm.  Very high in calcium that is why they are fed to budgies.  Would have no effect really on the wearing down of the beek as it would be much harder than that of a budgie.

I have a hen with a crossed beak - Mrs Crossbill (oh you guessed :blink:) Anyway, she has always thrived and is top hen. She eats fine, including the hand that feeds her. She also has a wonky toe, but none of this interferes with her life. She looks a little quizzical though.