Timneh beak is crooked/strange looking

[adamtron]

Timneh beak is crooked/strange looking. OK first let me say that I will be taking my Timneh Grey to the vet, probably next week if they can get me in. But in the mean time, I thought I would check to see if anyone here had a similar problem. My Timneh, who is only 1 1/2 years old started growing a beak that was larger on one side then the other (like he was grinding only one side of the beak and not filing down the other). So the bird store filed it down for him and it seemed OK. But now I see the new beak growing in looks crackeled and dull (for lack of better terms) and uneven- not smooth and shiny like it did before. I am worried because I read on the Internet it can be caused by cancer, mites, nutrition problems, all kinds of conflicting information. I give him a variety of seeds, pellets, vegetables (broccoli, corn, carrots, peas, green beans), bread, etc. I just added a mineral block today, in case that is the problem. Maybe I should put vitamins in his water? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

-Adamtron

[The Outlaw]

You simply need to have him veted and run the tests to insure that it isn't something nasty. I don't have that particular problem with any of my birds, but there are so many possiblilities. Its easier to bite the bullet and run the tests.

[adamtron]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

You simply need to have him veted and run the tests to insure that it isn't something nasty. I don't have that particular problem with any of my birds, but there are so many possiblilities. Its easier to bite the bullet and run the tests.

Yeah, I'm going to do that. But it will take a few days and my mind is racing. Wondering what could cause such a thing.

[The Outlaw]

Normally, I would think of fatty liver disease. It can cause overgrowth. However, it doesn't sound diet related and this bird is very young. It can be bad genes that are causing this abnormality. Sometimes too close inbreeding will produce scissor beaks, though its pretty unusual in greys. There are a few bacterial infections that can also alter beak growth. Without the tests, its a crap shoot. Keep us posted. We love to learn. Good luck.