The Poultry Keeper

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

While watching my girl trying to eat today I noticed although she was pecking at her pellets - nothing seemed to be happening. Aha! It struck me that perhaps there was something wrong with the shape of her beak - and that could be why she has become so malnourished.
Having checked the other twos beaks - hers is a totally different shape with the top one curving quite away over the bottome one.
I have tried to take a picture if anyone would care to give me an opinion before I take her to the vets AGAIN!

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Apologies for the quality it is from my phone so is to very high res!!

CP · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:42 pm Post subject:

I wish I could help, but the photo is too blurred to be able to make any judgement on the shape of her beak?!

I know how difficult it can be to get a photo as they never seem to keep still for long enough!

But if you think that may be the cause, then I'm not sure what could be done to help. Sadly, culling her may be the kindest thing to do. Crying or Very sad

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

likewise, it is difficult to tell, but unless there was a sudden spurt of growth in the lenght of her beak then she must have been able to eat in the past or she wouldn't have reached that age.

I would ask the vet, if you do have to take her back, they could perhaps trim the beak a little.

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

Hi again!

The long overgrown bit of the beak is white where the rest is black - so I am more convinced that this is part of the problem.
Have got an appointment again tonight - so will find out then!

Fingers crossed a quick trim could be the making of her!! Smile

CP · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:55 pm Post subject:

It is possible to trim beaks, but do it carefully!

If it is just too long at the end then this could cure the problem, but I thought from your description that you meant the beak was curved away from the bottom part, so there was a gap between them? (Bit difficult to explain. Confused

)

I do hope a quick trim will be the answer. Smile

NannyP · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 3:54 pm Post subject:

It looks like the beak is overgrowing on top compared to bottom and it looks trimable (I think). It's such a shame you've been sold a poor quality bird (it would seem). However, the birds I cared for in France, and I know some ex batts have trimmed beaks, and sometimes it helps and sometimes you have to feed them mash rather than pellets. Good Luck tonight, hope the poor girly soon gets some nourishement Confused

mojo · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 3:57 pm Post subject: hi

as nanny says beaks can be clipped and filed so there is hope try asyringe of tepid waterwith scrambled egg dissolved in it that will keep her going to she feels better........good luck.....mojo Cool

Knobby · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 4:00 pm Post subject:

When one of my marans was ill last year and was off her food, i was amazed at how fast the top part of the beak started to grow!!It wasnt till she was feeling better and scratting around again, that it started to "wear down" again Lets hope thats all the problem is !!!

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

hope the vet can trim it for her tonight, so that she can start to eat properly again and build her strength up ready for the winter

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

Thanks everyone!

She had her beak clipped tonight at the vets - I have posted a longer update on the other post so won't bore you all here! Laughing

Debs 2