Goffy the Goffin has a beak/tongue problem

[derekdylan7]

Our Goffin Cockatoo bird has just turned 30. I'm hoping he'll last a fair while longer-and his owners too! We are 70.

He loves being with us when we are home and spends equal time with us. He has never had a day's illness, although he insists on eating lots of the wrong things-biscuits, buttered bread/toast, cooked potatoes, slivers of chocolate.

Just this moment he seems to be having a few tongue problems with pink/red spots on either side looking as though he has caught or bitten himself. The side parts of his beak do look sharp and serrated. Also the fleshy areas the tongue sits in look swollen. He's moving his beak a lot and it appears uncomfortable, but in other respects he's as lively and happy as ever, preening himself, eating well etc.

Hoping to learn from other owners if they have heard or seen this kind of thing.

 

[noodles123]

when was he last to the vet?

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you and Goffy the Goffins, they are extraordinarily wonderful companions. I have a family of 5, and the 2 wild-caught parents are in their early 40s. They can thrive in captivity and are generally hardy.

Unfamiliar with the symptoms, can you upload pictures* and/or video? In any case seems good reason to visit a certified avian vet. Diet is critical to a long and healthy life, chocolate ought be off limits.

*Forum has limited picture album memory, ideal technique is share via free hosting site such as Imgur. YouTube best for videos.

 

[derekdylan7]

Apologies guys-I just spotted these responses-I've been looking under Cockatoos instead of here. I'll try and post a couple of pics in the gallery as I'm not sure how to get them here, although I understand the idea you suggested Scott-THANKS ! Not much change btw-Goffy still working on his tongue, but most of the time he's happy, healthy, doing all the same things he always has.

 

[Scott]

Apologies guys-I just spotted these responses-I've been looking under Cockatoos instead of here. I'll try and post a couple of pics in the gallery as I'm not sure how to get them here, although I understand the idea you suggested Scott-THANKS ! Not much change btw-Goffy still working on his tongue, but most of the time he's happy, healthy, doing all the same things he always has.

No worries! If you wish I can move the entire thread to the Cockatoo Forum, just let me know.

More info to post pics: http://www.parrotforums.com/technical-support/6287-how-post-pictures-6.html#post718293

I'd be concerned if the beak/tongue issues persist and become chronic.

 

[derekdylan7]

Thanks again. I posted a photo in the gallery. Not sure what is best to get the issue so other parrot people see it. You best be the judge of that. It could be an issue for other parrot species too. I think the flaking of the beak is a normal, but biting of the tongue, accidentally I presume, followed by the swelling, irritation, and mor tongue chewing seems like a vicious circle it's difficult to break.

 

[noodles123]

Thanks again. I posted a photo in the gallery. Not sure what is best to get the issue so other parrot people see it. You best be the judge of that. It could be an issue for other parrot species too. I think the flaking of the beak is a normal, but biting of the tongue, accidentally I presume, followed by the swelling, irritation, and mor tongue chewing seems like a vicious circle it's difficult to break.

See where it says BB code in your gallery (when you click the image?) Copy and past that url/code under the image..then start a new message (or edit an existing one) and click the mountain w/ the sun icon in the message boc (and paste the BB code there)...Then post the message.

EDIT--tried to find your album and I couldn't...?

 

[Scott]

Thanks again. I posted a photo in the gallery. Not sure what is best to get the issue so other parrot people see it. You best be the judge of that. It could be an issue for other parrot species too. I think the flaking of the beak is a normal, but biting of the tongue, accidentally I presume, followed by the swelling, irritation, and mor tongue chewing seems like a vicious circle it's difficult to break.

I don't see the gallery or pic anywhere. While none of us are vets, many are experienced with cockatoos and might offer useful advice.

Moving to the Cockatoo Forum may be best as many members don't spend time in New Members Forum. Just a suggestion, and you have the final choice!

 

[noodles123]

LOL-- I totally just hit "new posts" when I log-in..only initially did I really check particular parts of the forum! Is that abnormal?? lol

But I do agree-- I do not see a gallery picture either, even when I go to your profile..

 

[derekdylan7]

Cockatoos - Parrot Forum's Gallery

Strange- there's where I put it. My route was Photo Gallery-Cockatoos- Upload. It's top left as I look at it.
I dragged a screenshot in here below-not sure if that works?
/Users/derekmankelow/Desktop/Screen Shot 2020-07-04 at 09.35.56.png
I should have gone the new posts route in retrospect. But if you can move it all to the Cockatoos section please do. This morning Goffy's tongue looks better (less redness, no blood), though last evening he was gnawing away at one side of the tongue for an hour or so. He's enjoyed chewing cuttlefish today and is happily preening as I type this.

 

[derekdylan7]

http://www.parrotforums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=3328

is the Direct Link code to the photo. Thanks for looking guys!

 

[noodles123]

VERY CUTE!

Okay- I was able to see that picture (hence "very cute" lol). I do see what you are talking about for sure (if it is that dark spot on the beak and tongue?--It also seems to be on his upper-beak a bit)

How long has it been like this? I spend most of my time with Umbrellas but I have hung out with goffins..just not to the extent of U2s--So I'm not as confident in terms of beak abnormalities....

How is his diet and when did he last go to the vet?

I also notice that he has some yellowing around his nares. Is that typical for him? Any discharge or itching/inflammation in that area? Could be normal--just caught my attention in the picture.

 

[Scott]

http://www.parrotforums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=3328

is the Direct Link code to the photo. Thanks for looking guys!

Gorgeous bird!! Upper beak condition and conformation appears typical. Lower beak possibly a bit thick towards the base. Perhaps that is what causes the visible irritation/red spot. Tongue appears a bit swollen and darker gray than my Goffins, though some variation may be normal.

I echo "noodles" questions above reference duration of condition and recency of vet visit.

 

[Scott]

Attaching a few images of my Goffins family to illustrate typical beak/tongue appearance.

Popcorn rubbed side feathers, all grew back normally!

 

[noodles123]

Attaching a few images of my Goffins family to illustrate typical beak/tongue appearance.

Popcorn rubbed side feathers, all grew back normally!

OH MY GOSHHHHH #2 LOLLLLL..what a goose!!! "Hmmm...I like this sensation of compression and potential egg-laying capacity...Not sure about the overhead lighting, but I DO like this chain....Not sure if I will stay her, but it's a possibility.."

 

[Talven]

Is there any chance that Goffy was able to get a hold of a cable to chew through? Something with a low current like a USB cable? Or maybe just something that was hot? Given that there is a mark on the upper and lower mandible as well as the tongue I would consider an outside object causing the injury as a culprit.

 

[noodles123]

Is there any chance that Goffy was able to get a hold of a cable to chew through? Something with a low current like a USB cable? Or maybe just something that was hot? Given that there is a mark on the upper and lower mandible as well as the tongue I would consider an outside object causing the injury as a culprit.

That is genius and I wonder...SMART SMART SMART...

 

[Scott]

OH MY GOSHHHHH #2 LOLLLLL..what a goose!!! "Hmmm...I like this sensation of compression and potential egg-laying capacity...Not sure about the overhead lighting, but I DO like this chain....Not sure if I will stay her, but it's a possibility.."

That's Gabby suited up in her cockpit, seat belt attached! Actually, for 24.5 of her 25 years we thought Gabby was a boy with coal black eyes. A few months ago she laid an egg at bottom of the cage - we were astounded. First and hopefully last egg!

 

[derekdylan7]

GUYS !! Thank so much for all your suggestions, and concern. Rather than quote chunks I'll try and respond to you each by name:

TALVEN: Definitely no live cables though chewing things that could have caused the thickening of the lower beak SCOTT mentioned I am sure has contributed (more of that later).NOODLES: the yellowing around the nares was just wetness after his bath when I took the photo. The photo is not great but the dark spot on the beak was dried blood. The dark spot on the tongue was a swelling which goes from red to dark as it heals. This is not a one-off and has occurred both sides of the tongue. Noticeably this has been happening for the past month or so. It's like - he chews something, it causes the 'injury', or he bites his own tongue, and it swells up. It heals, though I see him chewing deliberately the side of his tongue, to pick the scab off, which can create soreness again. And around we go. I think the swelling/spots come and go and are self inflicted. He does chew/play with things which could have made his lower beak thicker so I need to watch that. Shredding rinsed out cans of drink may be fun, but probably not a good idea! He has been know to take a pair of scissors and use them to scrape the flaky bits off his beak that all birds get -again in retrospect probably not a good idea.
Vets:- we have no Avian Vets near or reasonable distance that any UK parrot site has recommended but I'll keep looking. At the moment his tongue is healing nicely but I know this may re-occur.

Absolutely loved the PHOTOS Scott of all those Goffins aren't they the most beautiful cheeky characters ? But 5 ? plus !! Amazing.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[noodles123]

GUYS !! Thank so much for all your suggestions, and concern. Rather than quote chunks I'll try and respond to you each by name:

TALVEN: Definitely no live cables though chewing things that could have caused the thickening of the lower beak SCOTT mentioned I am sure has contributed (more of that later).NOODLES: the yellowing around the nares was just wetness after his bath when I took the photo. The photo is not great but the dark spot on the beak was dried blood. The dark spot on the tongue was a swelling which goes from red to dark as it heals. This is not a one-off and has occurred both sides of the tongue. Noticeably this has been happening for the past month or so. It's like - he chews something, it causes the 'injury', or he bites his own tongue, and it swells up. It heals, though I see him chewing deliberately the side of his tongue, to pick the scab off, which can create soreness again. And around we go. I think the swelling/spots come and go and are self inflicted. He does chew/play with things which could have made his lower beak thicker so I need to watch that. Shredding rinsed out cans of drink may be fun, but probably not a good idea! He has been know to take a pair of scissors and use them to scrape the flaky bits off his beak that all birds get -again in retrospect probably not a good idea.
Vets:- we have no Avian Vets near or reasonable distance that any UK parrot site has recommended but I'll keep looking. At the moment his tongue is healing nicely but I know this may re-occur.

Absolutely loved the PHOTOS Scott of all those Goffins aren't they the most beautiful cheeky characters ? But 5 ? plus !! Amazing.

Thanks again everyone.

Yeah- wouldn't let him play with scissors or rinsed cans--- don't want him cutting himself or coming into contact with metals that are not stainless--aluminum (while generally safe) can still get quite sharp.

If you can find a vet, they could possibly help file it if it is causing his bite alignment to be off...
Does he show any signs of feather abnormality?