Hi, My Zebra Finch's beak was always ok then a few months ago I noticed it crosses over at the bottom :( It also seems to grow quick and I often trim it with scizzors..but Ive tried everything to keep it short cuttlefish/beakblocks e.t.c can you help? do you know why it would cross over? thanks xxx
2007-02-15 12:48:32 · 5 answers · asked by kaytee576 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
I believe this is called scissor beak. You should go to the vet and have him checked out. Beaks growing abnormally are usually a sign of illness.
Don't trim it yourself without checking with a vet. Beaks are very sensitive and have LOTS of blood vessels to them. You could be causing more damage in the long run.
2007-02-15 12:51:51 · answer #1 · answered by Christie D 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I recently had a conversation with my Avian vet about this. Overgrown beaks are often signs of liver damage. Incorrect diet puts a lot of strain on the bird's liver, causing it to put off excess waste. this often causes an increase in toe nail and beak growth and is often seen in birds that are frequently feed a seed diet such as finches and canaries.
Start mixing a good pellet into the seed and offer a variety of greens such as timothy hay and fresh kale, romain, or collard greens. Offer fruits as well.
Take the bird to the vet, and Avian vet should sell good vitamins straight from the office along with a good diet to switch your bird to. They will also trim the beak for you so you can monitor if the growth Slowed down.
Offer a cuttle bone, cement perch, and mineral block so the bird can naturally trim his beak. Do not use sand paper covers as they slip on the perch, causing the bird to painfully grip the perch and cut his feet.
Get a good diet and a good vet and the little guy will be just fine.
2007-02-15 13:57:47 · answer #2 · answered by lemonnpuff 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have two really great answers here. You do have to be REALLY careful about trimming peaks, soft bills especially it is harder to see where is ok and where is not. The criss-cross is either a sign of illness or poor breeding. Better to go to the vet to check it out. Good to have birds brought to the vet periodically anyway, few people out there are good at spotting trouble right away.
2007-02-15 14:48:49 · answer #3 · answered by Noota Oolah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you may need to take him to the vet so they drimmel his beak, because his beack is made out of the same thing as fingernails
2007-02-15 16:30:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This might be a case of mites, you should go to a vet to see what can be done. Hope I helped :)
2016-05-24 05:14:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋