Overgrown Scissor Beak on an Older Bird

[tinksmum]

I really am not sure here, maybe someone more experienced can advise, the one thing i would suggest is get her to a vet asap.
Why are you trimming her wings?

[mizloco]

I strongly suggest you take Clyde to the vets. She seems to have a few issues going on and needs medical attention. As tinksmum asked why are you clipping her wings it's like taking the arms of children, sorry but it's such an unpleasant thing to do to a budgie.

[Hezz]

If you even think there is a possibility of mites, threat them both. There is no point mucking about wondering when it is such a simple thing to treat. Ivermectin 0.1% one drop applied to the back of the neck on the skin, not on the feathers, and reapplied each week for two more if necessary. Your description of her beak sounds like there could be mites burrowing into her top beak as well.

You may be aware that beak trimming is to be done with care as beaks do have a blood supply. Without knowing how long the beak is, it isn't really possible to be able to say how much can be taken off. Try taking a photo close up of the problem ...... maybe someone will be able to advise.

[birdguhl]

Sorry can't advise but as I understand it you are 'trimming' the beak not the wings. Hope you can get help for this soon.

[Hezz]

Both wings and beak are being clipped, birdguhl. We do this every two weeks when we trim the nails and wings.

[tamseldamsel]

Hezz, thank you for the advice on using Ivermectin. Are there any bad side effects when you use it that I should look out for? Also, do you know of a website that I would be able to purchase it from or will it have to wait untill I see the vet? Thank you.

[Hezz]

I know of no side effects to be honest .......... no, there was one person whose vet applied it onto a bald patch of the budgie's head, and said it seemed to have almost burnt the skin, but this was a bird who had already rubbed a spot on his head bald and therefore was already irritated and probably rather sensitive. So as long as the skin is healthy I think all will be well.

Are you in UK? Most members buy theirs on-line, I think, but I couldn't tell you where from. You can certainly get it from a vet, but that requires a consultation most times ....... I did see that my own vet is now stocking in on their shelves ..... just look for Ivermectin 0.1% on line; you should be able to find a site without too much problem.

[Hezz]

sarah*glittergirl2212 has recently posted this up on another thread. Hope you don't mind me "stealing" it, Sarah.

You can buy Ivermectin 0.1% (this is he one for budgies as the other strengths available are for other animals). It is made by Pharmaq and you can get it from them or maybe on ebay. When you treat your budgie be careful not to get it on your skin as it is absorbed through skin and can make humans feel unwell. Not a personal experience I hasten to add, just some info I remember from somewhere.

[tamseldamsel]

Thank you so much for the help. I was not able to find it at my local pet shop. I actually live in the US in California. The nearest avian vet is about 3 hours away unfortunately. I was able to get an alternative mite and lice medication (the only one they had) with the active ingredients Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide, Technical if that means anything.

Thank you for the support and listening. I'm just freaking out about my baby.

[Hezz]

Look on line is my suggestion. Ivermectin is the drug of choice .... the others seem to be a stop-gap partial solution.