GCC's beak growing crooked?

[taramichelle]

Hi everyone

I'm hoping to get some advice on my GCC's beak! I have had Lexie for about six months now, and in the past month her beak has suddenly started growing crooked. I've attached photos that hopefully explain it a little better than I can--but essentially the lower beak is growing longer on the left side than the right.

As soon as I noticed this happening, I took her immediately to my local avian vet, who did a range of blood tests including psittacosis and liver function tests, to ensure no underlying health issues. All came back fine, and Lexie has not had any trauma, so we've ruled that out. The vet has suggested it's a nutritional problem, though she is on a strict diet of Harrison's pellets and homemade chop. The vet has asked me to increase the pellets to 90% of her diet, which I've done. She filed Lexie's beak down on the left side to make it a little more even, and sent me on my way.

Three weeks later, her beak is back to being overgrown on the left side. I'm worried about her ending up with scissor beak, so she's back to the avian vet tomorrow. Of course I will get great advice from her tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone else has any thoughts on what could be going on? At this stage it is looking like costing me $150 per consultation every three weeks to get her beak filed by the avian vet, which of course I will pay--she's my baby! Any thoughts would be appreciated, though

Thanks so much!

 

[greytness]

Genetics, diet, and liver issues are thought to contribute to beak over growth. I'm actually surprised that the vet discouraged you away from fresh veggies, as veggies are loaded with natural nutrients, whereas pellets aren't. Personally I'd go with somewhere around 70% fresh veggies or more to 30% pellets or less.

Found this on the web: Beak Problems / Deformities: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
It sounds like regular beak trimming and time could be your best bet.

 

[Aquila]

As long as bloodwork and everything came back fine, it's relatively harmless.

Make sure to provide lots of hard things to chew, hard woods especially, and maybe a sand or cement perch. I'm a big fan of the little coral stones that have lots of nooks and crannies, all my birds seem to really like them and they're indestructable.

Other than that, regular beak trims might be necessary, but you shouldn't have to be paying $150 for just for a trimmed beak at the vet. Most places charge $10-15 for a beak and nail trim. I'd suggest asking or looking for another avian vet that might do it cheaper, as well as getting your conure used to having her beak handled, so that you might be able to do it yourself with a small metal nail file. If you just did a few swipes a day, it might make it more managable.

 

[taramichelle]

Thanks so much greytness--that link is fantastic, and not one I'd come across.

I have to say, as a first-time bird mum, I was surprised by the vet's suggestion that pellets were better than veggies as well! I thought I'd done such a great job with all of my research in ensuring that her veggie-heavy diet was the best I could provide. I suppose the vet must have more faith in pellets than in my chop-preparing skills! I agree with you, and will go back to giving her much more in the way of veggies.

When I got her six months ago, her feathers were barred and dull which definitely supports the nutrition theory. Those have since grown back nice and bright without the barring, so that should be a good sign! She seems to have been stuck in a molt forever, though, and has a dry beak, both of which point to nutrition again according to the link you've given me. Waiting it out and sticking to her diet definitely looks like the way to go.

Thanks so much--you've given me hope that it's just a matter of time! I had visions of $150 vet bills for my baby every three weeks for the next thirty years!

 

[taramichelle]

As long as bloodwork and everything came back fine, it's relatively harmless.

Make sure to provide lots of hard things to chew, hard woods especially, and maybe a sand or cement perch. I'm a big fan of the little coral stones that have lots of nooks and crannies, all my birds seem to really like them and they're indestructable.

Other than that, regular beak trims might be necessary, but you shouldn't have to be paying $150 for just for a trimmed beak at the vet. Most places charge $10-15 for a beak and nail trim. I'd suggest asking or looking for another avian vet that might do it cheaper, as well as getting your conure used to having her beak handled, so that you might be able to do it yourself with a small metal nail file. If you just did a few swipes a day, it might make it more managable.

Thank you--I do get her nails clipped at the local pet shop for only a few dollars, but I have been hesitant to have anyone other than an avian vet do something like her beak! I might look into my local general vet--they have a bird specialist there (though not an official avian vet) who may be able to help me out for a lot cheaper!

She does have a honeycomb perch that sounds a lot like the coral one you mentioned, as well as a cement one and plenty of wooden/natural perches, all of which she loves!

Thank you

 

[Flboy]

For just a nail or beak trim, our vet charges 5 bucks.