Zebra finch beak flaking?

[Johnny99]

Hi guys, do you have any idea what that line is on my female zebra finch's beak? I tried doing some research and found a similar case and someone said it might be related to poor nutrition. I have been giving her this mix https://www.versele-laga.com/en/fr/prestige-premium/products/prestigepremium-tropicalfinches and these pellets https://www.versele-laga.com/en/de/nutribird/products/nutribird-c19 but she doesn't really eat them, and I think she only eats the seeds from the mix. I have also been giving them this egg food on occasion https://www.versele-laga.com/en/orlux/products/orlux-frutti-patee . As for fruit and veggies, she will eat apples and iceberg lettuce (which I heard is kinda useless), I tried stuff like broccoli and spinach but have had little to no success with those. That is, if this is nutrition related.. This is the similar case I was talking about ( https://www.reddit.com/r/Finches/comments/10iv6al ), the shape looks similar to me.

 

[fashionfobie]

Thank you for noticing this detail. I have zebra finches. I suggest getting a seed blend for finches that includes some red millet and some niger seeds. Zebra finches are obligated grainevores. You can also supplement with water soluble vitamin D. I also provide calcium in shell form in a little dish they eat what they need from there.

Beak flaking can also be related to moulting or dry conditions. How often do your birds bathe? If not often you can try offering them a flat plate with shallow water and a few greens. They may be afraid of it at first, but eventually they may increase their bathing.

In terms of veggies etc... providing diversity is a nice enrichment for them, even if they don't eat it they can interact with it. Pea shoots are very popular with my finches and they usually eat the little leaves and also fly around with the stems.

 

[fashionfobie]

In the spring/summer in your area you can gather wild grasses with seeds on. So long as they are from a safe, no pesticide field, your finches will adore fresh seeds.

 

[WillowQ]

I think that line is just where the beak wears down and gets thinner. I wouldn’t be too concerned. I mean, I see similar on my parrots.
Maybe she isn’t rubbing or chewing enough on things? A cuttle bone might help. And extra oils from wild seeds might help.

 

[fashionfobie]

I think that line is just where the beak wears down and gets thinner. I wouldn’t be too concerned. I mean, I see similar on my parrots.
Maybe she isn’t rubbing or chewing enough on things? A cuttle bone might help. And extra oils from wild seeds might help.

Finches do not chew like hook bills. I do not suggest cuttle bone.

Some flaking is a natural part of new beak growth however the OP also noticed a change. And they know their bird best. So considering diet, bathing and moulting should be productive paths to look into.

 

[WillowQ]

Hmm. A lot of hen zebra finches lay eggs, and I have always let my softbills have access to cuttlebone. They peck at it though no, they don’t “chew”like hookbills. If she’s eating a seed diet with no pellets, then I think it’s wise to have added calcium. It’s certainly not harmful. Some calcium supplement is a really good idea, and cuttlebone is generally available. Vitamin and calcium powders aren’t so available in small towns.

You’ve already discussed added bathing opportunities. My not discussing that reflects your coverage.

 

[Icey]

Hmm. A lot of hen zebra finches lay eggs, and I have always let my softbills have access to cuttlebone. They peck at it though no, they don’t “chew”like hookbills. If she’s eating a seed diet with no pellets, then I think it’s wise to have added calcium. It’s certainly not harmful. Some calcium supplement is a really good idea, and cuttlebone is generally available. Vitamin and calcium powders aren’t so available in small towns.

You’ve already discussed added bathing opportunities. My not discussing that reflects your coverage.

Do you have finches too? I didn't know that...

 

[WillowQ]

I don’t have them now, but I certainly have had finches and canaries for years. My dr recommend I not have birds housed in my bedroom, so after my nesting Gouldians passed (water bottle tragedy), I gave the remaining canary and zebra finch to neighbors who wanted some company.

I have a background in zoology with an emphasis on birds (behavior and infectious disease).

I’m not sure why you would NOT give cuttlebone, unless you’ve got other supplementation. Repeat egg laying can be such a big problem for female zebra finches and cuttlebone is available all over. That’s why I’d have either cuttlebone (widely available) or calcium powder/ bone powder or eggshells.

i loved watching my softbills when I didn’t feel good. I could lay in bed and it was just like a bird soap opera. And the Gouldians are so vibrant and do their cute little dances and displays.

 

[Icey]

You can also supplement with water soluble vitamin D. I also provide calcium in shell form in a little dish they eat what they need from there.

That is what @fashionfobie stated. You must have missed it.

 

[WillowQ]

That’s fine; but so many places are small and they have available what they have in the pet store. I just don’t understand why you would NOT recommend cuttlebone because it’s freely available, and that’s what I wrote. Is there a concern about heavy metals in sea animals? Or what?
Sometimes we have to be practical and use what’s available. I grew up in a small town and there were always cuttle bones available. But not vitamin powders, pellets, or supplements. That’s why I’m used to supplying cuttlebone. Egg shells make me nervous because they can have egg contamination; I’d be afraid a person might use the shell from their breakfast without baking it.

why is that a problem? I’ve not disparaged anyone nor implied they didn’t know what they were talking about. I just explained WHY I have used cuttlebone with my finches.

 

[Emma&pico]

I am sure we have had the conversation about cuttlebones before and they don’t hold much calcium

 

[Icey]

That’s fine; but so many places are small and they have available what they have in the pet store. I just don’t understand why you would NOT recommend cuttlebone because it’s freely available, and that’s what I wrote. Is there a concern about heavy metals in sea animals? Or what?
Sometimes we have to be practical and use what’s available. I grew up in a small town and there were always cuttle bones available. But not vitamin powders, pellets, or supplements. That’s why I’m used to using them. Egg shells make me nervous because they can have egg contamination; I’d be afraid a person might use the shell from their breakfast without baking it.

why is that a problem? I’ve not disparaged anyone nor implied they didn’t know what they were talking about. I just explained WHY I have used cuttlebone with my finches.

Fair enough. You had your say. This isn't a debate.
@fashionfobie answered a question and so did you.

 

[Emma&pico]

Trying to add more greens into diet broccoli kale carrots red peppers etc with help with vitamins
@Pixiebeak @Mizzely are good with diet

 

[WillowQ]

We don’t all have to agree on everything to be providing good care. So I’m not sure why my suggestion was objectionable or why it needs to start an issue.

 

[Emma&pico]

We don’t all have to agree on everything to be providing good care. So I’m not sure why my suggestion was objectionable or why it needs to start an issue.

Nope I agree with you we all do things differently and learn from each other but I am pretty sure that cuttlebones have been proven not to provide good calcium intake which would then be giving out false information

 

[WillowQ]

No, I’m not giving out false info. For many years cuttlebones have given quite adequate calcium. Other supplements may have more or more bio available calcium, but cuttlebone works fine.

If there’s a moral or ethical objection to use of cuttlefish, that’s a different issue. And that doesn’t make the product hazardous or a bad idea. My opinion is that cuttlebone is a byproduct, so better to use it than not.

Please leave me alone. I don’t appreciate your policing of my posts.

 

[Emma&pico]

No, I’m not giving out false info. For many years cuttlebones have given quite adequate calcium. Other supplements may have more or more bio available calcium, but cuttlebone works fine.

For many years a lot of things have been used but science moves on as we evolve

 

[Pixiebeak]

I'm not familiar with finch beaks .

Is she solo, or do you have other finch es? Do any of their beaks look similar if you have others?

On greens, if you hang them it might increase nibbles. I stab mine on a stick and the budgies first started eating them that way. Romaine, Swiss Chard. They have vitamin A which is good for skin, feathers, respiratory and what's often most lacking in all seed diet .
Tho I see you offer nice pellets for finches , but are unsure if eating.

My budgies will eat boiled eggs shells I crush up. They eat broccoli and veggies great and some pellets.

I think some seeds have calcium maybe sesame??? Pumpkin seeds? I linked something on calcium foods before...if I can find it again.
Edit: this one talks some seeds with calcium, mention chia

Safe Seeds For Parrots

Safe seeds for Parrots, Sophie explains safe seeds your Parrot can eat and the health benefits of each seed

www.northernparrots.com

.

Love to see a whole bird pic!

 

[Emma&pico]

I'm not familiar with finch beaks .

Is she solo, or do you have other finch es? Do any of their beaks look similar if you have others?

On greens, if you hang them it might increase nibbles. I stab mine on a stick and the budgies first started eating them that way. Romaine, Swiss Chard. They have vitamin A which is good for skin, feathers, respiratory and what's often most lacking in all seed diet .
Tho I see you offer nice pellets for finches , but are unsure if eating.

My budgies will eat boiled eggs shells I crush up. They eat broccoli and veggies great and some pellets.

I think some seeds have calcium maybe sesame??? Pumpkin seeds? I linked something on calcium foods before...if I can find it again.
Edit: this one talks some seeds with calcium, mention chia

Safe Seeds For Parrots

Safe seeds for Parrots, Sophie explains safe seeds your Parrot can eat and the health benefits of each seed

www.northernparrots.com

.

Love to see a whole bird pic!

Definitely think there’s so many natural veggies etc ways to add calcium

 

[fashionfobie]

I am not picking on anyone. I just said I do not suggest cuttle bone.

There are other options that are better scaled to finches. Zebra finches don't chew as hook bills do. A dish of bird safe shell grit (not to be confused with grit for chickens) allows them to take what they need without expecting them to develop a chewing behaviour they don't naturally have.

Vitamin D as a water soluble is also suitable.

Finches are also grainevores who do best when they have diverse seed available to them.