Cockatiel beak looks weird...

[LittleRedHen]

So, I have scheduled a vet visit for Frida tomorrow so that I can get a professional opinion.

But in the meantime...what is this weird dark colored line on her beak? I'm freaking out and I don't want to wait until tomorrow for answers, lol. I've attached a pic.

She's eating and drinking normally, and her activity is normal aside from some feather pulling that seems to have just started today. Planning to ask the vet about that, too.

EDIT: The beak lines JUST showed up today, hence my concern.

 

[noodles123]

hmm..how long has it been like that?

Sometimes birds will flake off bits of their beaks etc.

Are you concerned about the color, length or lines (or all of the above)?

If she just started feather pulling, it could be that there is an issue with the beak or something related.

Any pictures of her beak before?

PBFD CAN cause featherand feather issues- is she definitely plucking, or just losing feathers?
I am not trying to scare you because that is one of many possibilities, but have you actually seen her mutilate her feathers? Any bald patches? Again, PBFD is like one of 25 things is could be. Just asking because it can flare up.

 

[LittleRedHen]

The beak just today started looking like this, and the feather pulling started today also. Otherwise, I wouldn't be as concerned.

Let me find some pics of her beak before...

 

[noodles123]

and again, are you sure she is pulling them out?
I am very glad you have a visit scheduled (good bird mom to be so vigil lent).

The feather plucking, plus that should definitely be emphasized if they showed up around the same time, as they will sometimes pluck if in pain or if something is bothering them. Standard blood work won't detect pbfd (only a special blood test will) but a CBC could probably at least give you an idea as to whether she recently started fighting an infection or something. If the issue is long-term, a CBC may not tell you as much, but it can at least give you an idea of organ function etc. An x-ray might also give some insight...it could be so many things at this point, but obviously you are catching it early-ish, so try not to kill yourself with worry..easier said than done, I know.

If your vet is a CAV, surely they will be able to provide better guidance than any of my guesses.

 

[LittleRedHen]

Ok...here are the most recent pics showing her beak clearly that I have. Notice that her beak is very uniformly colored. Her diet has always been nutritious, high quality pellet-based with plenty of fresh veggies.

 

[LittleRedHen]

and again, are you sure she is pulling them out?

Yes. I work from home and am able to observe my birds all day, the cage is a few feet from my work station. She has been picking all day, I've watched her pull herself a little bald spot right above her tail.

 

[noodles123]

is the staining due to food? like...something colorful, perhaps? Does she have night frights at all? Any major changes in the home that could make her more nervous?

 

[noodles123]

I'd also show your vet the before pictures when you go.

 

[LittleRedHen]

is the staining due to food?

I don't believe it's from staining. Her pellets are not colored. Also, veggies have not been given today yet.

The birds right now are all only getting veggies while supervised. I've been having issues with misbehavior (nothing serious, mostly just playing "keep away" when I try to get them out of the cage), so for the past month, all yummy veggies have been given only after each bird responds to its name (I say "Frida, can you come here?" and then give the veggies when she takes a few steps towards me).

The behavior issues are likely unrelated, as they resolved after I made the "no treats for free" rule.

No night frights. Nothing unusual in routine as far as I can tell.

 

[noodles123]

I wouldn't assume that the plucking is unrelated if they both showed up around the same time, but do talk to your vet about all of it.
Sorry I'm not more helpful!!!

 

[itzjbean]

The dark ' line' you see on her beak is normal and happens to tiels as they age. Sometimes their parents have totally different colored beaks (one very light, the other very dark grey) and tiels can have variations of colors on their beaks ranging from mostly all flesh/light colored to streaks of that grey you see or totally dark all around. One of my tiels came ot me as a baby with a super clear light beak but over time it got some stripey dark lines, and it can get darker with age. They can also shed some parts of the beak that flake off occasionally just like fingernails. It's just somethin that happens as they age and get mature. Nothing to worry about!

 

[LittleRedHen]

I wouldn't assume that the plucking is unrelated if they both showed up around the same time, but do talk to your vet about all of it.
Sorry I'm not more helpful!!!

I think the bad behavior issues are unrelated...I agree with you about the plucking for sure. I actually keep a journal that reflects all of this (because I'm a ridiculous bird mom, lol) and I emailed it to my vet's office so they can review any patterns prior to my appointment.

The dark ' line' you see on her beak is normal and happens to tiels as they age. Sometimes their parents have totally different colored beaks (one very light, the other very dark grey) and tiels can have variations of colors on their beaks ranging from mostly all flesh/light colored to streaks of that grey you see or totally dark all around. One of my tiels came ot me as a baby with a super clear light beak but over time it got some stripey dark lines, and it can get darker with age. They can also shed some parts of the beak that flake off occasionally just like fingernails. It's just somethin that happens as they age and get mature. Nothing to worry about!

OMG I hope you're right! That makes me feel loads better. I mean, she still needs to go in bc she's plucking, but I was worried about necrosis or infection or something!

 

[noodles123]

The dark ' line' you see on her beak is normal and happens to tiels as they age. Sometimes their parents have totally different colored beaks (one very light, the other very dark grey) and tiels can have variations of colors on their beaks ranging from mostly all flesh/light colored to streaks of that grey you see or totally dark all around. One of my tiels came ot me as a baby with a super clear light beak but over time it got some stripey dark lines, and it can get darker with age. They can also shed some parts of the beak that flake off occasionally just like fingernails. It's just somethin that happens as they age and get mature. Nothing to worry about!

I meant to imply that but the whole plucking simultaneously thing, coupled with the beak changes overnight were what concerned me. Not trying to be an alarmist-- just feel like it needs to be investigated. It seems like this all happened rather quickly.
My biggest issue was that the beak changed and that plucking started at the same time.

 

[LittleRedHen]

The dark ' line' you see on her beak is normal and happens to tiels as they age. Sometimes their parents have totally different colored beaks (one very light, the other very dark grey) and tiels can have variations of colors on their beaks ranging from mostly all flesh/light colored to streaks of that grey you see or totally dark all around. One of my tiels came ot me as a baby with a super clear light beak but over time it got some stripey dark lines, and it can get darker with age. They can also shed some parts of the beak that flake off occasionally just like fingernails. It's just somethin that happens as they age and get mature. Nothing to worry about!

I meant to imply that but the whole plucking simultaneously thing, coupled with the beak changes overnight were what concerned me. Not trying to be an alarmist-- just feel like it needs to be investigated. It seems like this all happened rather quickly.
My biggest issue was that the beak changed and that plucking started at the same time.

No, I definitely get what you're saying. I'm aware that with birds, there is no room for taking chances.

I appreciate all your help...I at least have an idea of what to expect from the vet tomorrow.

 

[LittleRedHen]

UPDATE: Vet could not find anything wrong. They took a stool, did a blood test, and while I don't have the blood test back yet, the stool sample was perfect.

Vet thinks it's stress. I have no idea what is supposed to be stressing her, as the only change in her routine happened weeks ago.

The beak thing is normal, apparently her beak is simply changing pigment.

....I was told to go buy some anti stress bird supplements and feather regrowth supplements and keep an eye on her.

NOT the answers I wanted. I feel like this is just the equivalent of him shrugging his shoulders and guessing

 

[noodles123]

avoid putting the supplements in the water. Birds are weird lol. Glad tests came back normal! A routine shift weeks ago COULD impact a bird...like I said, they are weird lol.

How's bedtime/sleep? I can't recall if I asked this....shoot for 12 on a schedule if you aren't

 

[Txcockatielguy]

Just because I haven't thrown in my 2 cents worth doesn't mean I'm not following this thread with interest. While I'll admit, I have more tiels than some countries LOL! I've never had any beak issues. Now feathers, that's a different story. I've been fortunate not to have any plucking, I've dealt with a few broken blood feathers here and there. I think Noodles is on the right track with instructions. IF you end up going back to the vet, since you were not exactly blown away by his answers...Try another one if you live in an area that has other TRUE bird vets.

 

[Laurasea]

The beak looked like staining to be??? But the nostrils were a little red...
it’s grest to have you on the forum and it’s clear you love your baby

This is a good article on stress reduction fir birds. On the clicker training part I like shaping behavior
but saying good birdie works just as fine as clicking

https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/stress-reduction-for-parrot-companions/

 

[LittleRedHen]

Updates...

Some of you may know from my other posts that I care for my mother, so I live with her.

I found out today that she has been giving the birds treats without informing me. We had a talk about that.

Also, the plucking has continued. The bald spot is much worse. I've attached a pic, along with a pic of my temporary solution. Hoping the cone of shame either stops her from plucking or at least gives her something other than her feathers to mess with.

UGH...I just want her to be healthy and happy

 

[noodles123]

Updates...

Some of you may know from my other posts that I care for my mother, so I live with her.

I found out today that she has been giving the birds treats without informing me. We had a talk about that.

Also, the plucking has continued. The bald spot is much worse. I've attached a pic, along with a pic of my temporary solution. Hoping the cone of shame either stops her from plucking or at least gives her something other than her feathers to mess with.

UGH...I just want her to be healthy and happy

Cute bib!
Moms are the worst about that lol.../not lol..

I tell my mom "a little piece" when we visit, and it's like the size of a quarter.

You are doing what you can--I wish I could help more. I know that doesn't make you feel better either, because it is stressful...but, just try and hang in there.