Parakeet's Beak

[petlover]

The area above my parakeet's beak has changed colors and is getting very thick and rough looking. Also it looks quite a lot larger than it used to. He is about 3 years old. Other than his beak everything appears to look normal. I would really appreciate some help with this.

Thank you,

[arwen]

has he got a 'beak' block? these help to keep thier beaks in shape. also cuttle fish help aswell. if he doesnt use it at first try showing him by usuing it yourself!

[BirdzRmylife]

Your budgie most likely is a mature female, ready to breed.
However otehr possibilities of this odd beak change are;
-Scaley face mites

or

-Brown Cere Hypertrophy

Whatever the case, I'd take your budgie to an avian vet.

[Kalvin]

I guess you mean the cere and not the actualy beak itself? In which case cuttlebone wouldn't really help.

Cere colour change in males can often indicate an underlying health problem, a turn from the usual blue for males to a brown colour can indicate testicular cancer. Flaking of the cere could be down to dry skin, Vit A deficiency or scaly face.

I would take your bird to an avian vet for some blood work to be done so they can diagnose the problem (if there is one) just as a precaution.