Budgie Beak Deformity

[hellbabe]

Hey guys! I just went and picked up my new(And first) breeding pair of Budgies. They are beautiful little things but they came with 3 babies. Sadly I don't think the breeder was doing an overly good job as they had lots(and I mean a MASSIVE) clump of poo and seed on their beaks. The eldest wasn't as bad(eldest being 3ish weeks) but the younger two were horrible.

Upon softening it and removing it I found their beaks VERY deformed and under grown. Both most of been breathing in poo and all the yucky stuff as they both also have chest infections but I am treating that as I know how. At the moment a Avian vet is not an option as I am currently too far away and do not have a car but Im hoping I can atleast help them until I can get to the vet in a week or so.

I don't have photos at the moment but can upload later I guess. I am an experienced raiser of bigger parrots so I do know whats going on but the beak worries me. They are very small and very soft, clearly underdeveloped. Both little babies are severly underweight and the youngest doesn't has nose holes it was that bad.

I know without photos this is probably useless but yeah. What are the chances of the beaks growing at this age, will they survive? Im so nervous as they are my first budgies and Yeah...

Please be nice... I'm not here to start trouble or be picked on. I did not breed these babies and clearly they were uncared for and I'm glad I rescued them.

Thanks,
HellBabe

[starlingqueen]

What an awful story, those poor babies. I really don't think anyone here will "pick on you" we're not like that here. It's not an ideal situation to be moving a family of birds while they are still feeding chicks but I can see why it had to be done. I can't comment on the beak deformity as I have no experience with chicks, but hopefully some of our breeders will be along to give some advice soon. @corie and BudgiesBuddy. In the meantime some pictures would be useful to get an idea of what's involved with the problem.

Welcome to the forum, by the way.

[Moogie]

i also can not help but as starlinqueen Has said im sure some one will be able to give you some help/advice soon...Also you wont be picked on ,we are a lovely bunch on here...Glad you have found us

[BudgiesBuddy]

Hi and welcome to forum

I am in dark without pictures, so can only give you a general advise. There are many reason but in your case the beak deformation can be caused by either food build-up, infestation of mites, malnutrition, lack of light exposure/vitamin D3 deficiency.

The first steps should be sanitation and proper cleaning of the beaks inside out and providing them with best nutrition,immune support and probiotics. Their beaks are growing at this age so hopefully things would get better.

They will perk up in couple of days.

[hellbabe]

Thanks guys! I will get photos up right now.

middle baby up close- i61.tinypic.com/124vkvr.jpg
Little baby up close- i58.tinypic.com/2a0hwdx.jpg
All three at a distance- i57.tinypic.com/lzo2b.jpg
Middle baby with food and Poop- i58.tinypic.com/15n8uic.jpg

Hope those are ok for now... Sorry they arent the best oout there, Have a bad camera on my phone.

[Hezz]

No-one is going to be attacking you for the bad practice of the poor birds' owner. I have to say, the photos are pretty useless to me, except the last one, it would be terribly hard to miss that horrid mess!

Do you have a camera, or can borrow one to get some up-close shots of the beaks? The phone camera doesn't get in close enough. Whereabouts in Australia are you? Would hate for anyone else to spend good money propping up a dodgy breeder.

I am sure BB is giving good advice - he certainly knows his stuff - as does Corie.

[Hezz]

Here are your photos - you simply need to copy/paste the img code for forums and message boards.

[hellbabe]

Haha! I get it. I'm currently trying to buy all her breeding stock so it shouldn't be a worry. I'm in Queensland though. SEQLD.

[Hezz]

The little I can see of the babies' beaks, they look okay, but those with breeding experience will be able to help you there more than I can.

[hellbabe]

Yeah. My breeding friend says they look bad but she hasn't owned or bred Budgies so she doesn't know fully.

Thanks guys!

[sarah*glittergirl2212]

Poor babies, I'm very glad you rescued them, and I hope you do indeed manage to take them all. I'm sorry I have no practical advice to offer but it sounds like you're doing great anyway. Looking forward to seeing them thrive with your care

[hellbabe]

Thank you I am indeed happy to spoil them rotten, and if they dont grow properly my nan is happy to take them as special needs birds, I'm pretty sure she'll be taking them anyway haha.

I'll keep everyone updated with photos.

[Hezz]

BudgiesBuddy, do the beaks look deformed to your experienced eyes?

hellbabe, you may find that their little feet may not sit straight either, but with the correct perches they often remedy themselves once they are perching. Even if they don't, they can still get around well; it may only be on landing that they may have difficulty with.

[BudgiesBuddy]

Pictures are too small to see clearly, but looks like it can be healed except the last one.

Beak issues can develop in to series problems if left too long without treatment. Unfortunately, not many home options are available. In some cases, proper trimming is the only way.

[Hezz]

The last one is really grungy, but the beak itself could be anything underneath that horrible mess! Unfortunately,..... is there no way to maximise the photos from phones?