Budgie with split in beak

Re: Budgie with split in beak

Marie Kubiak — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 14:39:22 GMT

Hi,

if it extends the whole length of the beak often the instability of the divergent parts causes ongoing splitting of new beak as it forms so stabilising it will help minimise the risk of permanent problems that occur with secondary infection/damage involving exposure/trauma of the germination zone and will make the bird more comfortable.

Are you able to post photos? Often dental acrylic alone is not enough and the split needs stabilisation with orthopaedic wire 'sutures' first then these are overlain with acrylic to protect the exposed area and wires, and to provide further support. It is likely to need reviewing and repeating as the beak grows down and the acrylic bond to beak weakens over time.

I have always used Kooliner as a beak acrylic, but it is dental in intended purpose and I think it is ordered through our main suppliers.

Oh, and as Evelyn has already said, there is often an underlying problem causing poor beak quality predisposing to cracks and splits. Consider hepatopathy (including psittacosis), hyperoestrogenism (associated with gonadal tumours in budgies), nutritional deficiencies and localised problems such as Knemidocoptes mite infestations among others.

Marie

Re: Budgie with split in beak

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 13:39:15 GMT

[quote user="claire power"]

Hello, I was just after some advice on a budgie with a small crack in his beak please.

He has had it for a few weeks, and a tiny bit of granulation tissue is evident, the crack goes from the bottom to the top but it is thin. He is fine in himself, eating etc. He uses his beak to climb a lot so I suppose continually stressing it.

The owners wont go for referral but are happy for us to see if we can do anything. As far as I can work out dental acrylic is the best option ? Is this right, any tips and also where people get it from would be great to know.

Thanks a lot

Claire

[/quote]

You could get some acrylic from your friendly neighbourhood veterinary dentist who isn't going to get the referral ( ) along with some instructions, hints and tips on how to use it. Or maybe from your dentist, without instructions. Or order some from a dental supply house like Kent Express, though you might change your mind when you see the price.

Or use superglue or Instant Araldite, and little paper strips or cotton threads.

Whatever you use, the difficult bit is getting it to stick to the beak for long enough.

Is the beak deformed at all? There is usually an underlying reason for splits.