Peeling Beak? (with photos)

[Doodle Bird]

I've been wondering for a while now why both my birds' beaks peel the way they do. I know some peeling is normal but sometimes it seems excessive to me. Is it normal or should it be more smooth in appearance?

 

[Cephus]

Bird beaks are sort of like fingernails, they will slough off from time to time as they grow and so long as it isn't excessive and you don't see any other signs of illness, it's usually fine. It can also be caused by lots of things like vitamin deficiencies, infections, etc. If you're really worried, you can take them to the avian vet for a checkup, I've done that and never had them turn up a thing. Keep an eye on them, note changes in behavior, feed a high-quality diet and you're probably not having a problem. I don't see anything, just from the pictures, that would strike me as unusual.

 

[Coco's Momma]

I also have heard/read (for years) that sloughing of the beak is normal. It always bothered me though. I did some reading and decided to begin focusing on providing quality essential omega fatty acids (oils) for Coco. I chose hemp seed oil because of its ratio of omega fatty acids (3/6/9) and also give her small amounts of high quality nuts (specific nuts) which provide the essential omega fatty acids as well. It took very little amounts and very little time before her beak stopped sloughing. Now I just provide her with her high quality treat nuts (almonds, walnuts and pecans mostly), and occasionally put a few drops of the hemp seed oil in things such as birdie bread, or toss some in her rice and beans, or toss her veggies with a little. A little goes a long way. Below are before and after pictures. The 'before' beak flaking might not look that bad, but it was worse than that at other times. So for Coco at least, I feel it cannot be a coincidence that when I began focusing on getting her high quality omega fatty acids in proper proportions, the sloughing stopped. It might not apply to every bird, but for Coco if she does not have enough of the omegas her feet and beak will begin to show it immediately.

(Sorry, got the 'after' posted in front of the 'before' picture, and I don't know how to swap them around!)

 

[Brigidt36]

Wow Robin, that's amazing.

 

[mrstweet]

Coco, can you share names/brands? That looks great!

 

[Doodle Bird]

I've been thinking of buying some red palm nut oil for the featherbutts, I wonder if that would help. They are happy and healthy otherwise, it's just the beak thing. Maybe it bothers me more because it looks frumpy.

 

[kcbee]

Wow! Coco's beak is beautiful!!

 

[Coco's Momma]

Coco, can you share names/brands? That looks great!

Manitoba Harvest Certified Organic Hemp Seed Oil.

 

[crzybrdldy]

Robin Coco isn't shy about being captured on film, he is a very handsome birdy.

 

[WingedVictory]

Beautiful birds. I don't want to sound like a commercial but have you tried Herb Salad?

Gary

 

[Welshanne]

I have found red palm oil great as part of the main diet with my birds and it certainly helps maintain healthy beaks and feathers. good luck.

 

[Doodle Bird]

Beautiful birds. I don't want to sound like a commercial but have you tried Herb Salad?

Gary

herb salad?

 

[mrstweet]

herb salad?

Herb Salad 8 OZ, 1 LB, 2 LB - PLUCKERS & OVERPREENERS by MY SAFE BIRD STORE

 

[linus69]

A much better price from here..

https://www.swansonvitamins.com/nutiva-organic-hemp-oil-24-fl-oz-liquid

 

[Clueless]

Would coconut oil also work for this?

 

[Mizzely]

Would coconut oil also work for this?

I may be wrong, but I think the benefit of the RPO vs the coconut oil for the beak is the beta carotene