Some other possibilities are a certain kind of mite, or virus, vitamin/mineral deficiencies (in keeping with nutritional problems usually associated with a seed only diet, or primarily soft food diet, among others). Sometimes it’s a serious disease such as PBFD (psittacine beak and feather disease).
When you notice other changes of concern with your bird’s beak, especially combined with acting ‘off’, feathers looking ragged, dull or losses, eye and/or nare discharge (any one of these would be enough to raise concerns) there is reason to find a vet who can begin screening for PBFD (psittacine beak and feather disease), which is probably the worst news any owner might get. It’s also not necessarily a high possibility.
It’s just one that needs consideration.
Many regular DVM's will have the experience necessary to see them - so call your local Humane Society, any animal rescue facility, ASPCA, pet shops and breeders, ask who they use.
It’s generally recommended that most of today’s companion birds have a predominantly pelleted diet. Pellets have been continually updated since being introduced to the market years ago and today’s formulas are better than ever.
Supplementing this diet with fresh foods every day is ideal and many owners find they can re-introduce seeds - in limited amounts (perhaps once or twice a week) without the bird refusing the pellets overall.
Whole grains, dark leafy vegetables, fruits and legumes. Include the colors orange, yellow , green, plus reds too! Think sweet potatoes/yams, squash, melons, oranges, peas, chard, beets and others.
Brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat couscous and natural, whole grain pastas are great choices.
Limit fats, especially the kind from animals. Good fats are most plant fats like soy, olive and canola oils. No fried anything
Even though this is put out by a cockatiel site, it’s applicable to all hook bills from budgies/parakeets to conures, greys and macaws.
http://www.cockatiels.org/articles/nutrition/diet.html cites feeding both seed and pellets, but only after weaning the bird from a mostly seed diet.
http://www.letstalkbirds.com/cockatiels.htm
Certified Avian Specialist
Cert. Avian Specialist; Int. Assoc.Animal Behavior Consult; Pet Ind. Joint Advisory Council; author
Candidiasis (Candida Albicans) is typically present in all birds’ digestive system. When it grows beyond normal limits it causes problems not necessarily limited to the digestive system (including the mouth and crop), but can effect the organs, beak, feathers, reproductive and respiratory systems.
Candidiasis is much more prevalent in non-parrot species, however if your bird has experienced delayed crop emptying, a predominantly seed diet (possible vitamin A deficiency), has had stress or other infections/health problems, or has recently been on antibiotics – chances are increased for an occurrence of Candidiasis.
Sometimes just the mouth will be symptomatic, giving off an odor or showing plaques (white, raised patches), and often a thick (clear or cloudy) material in their mouth.
Some birds will frequently regurgitate, go off their food and not act right overall. There may also be nasal discharge, voice change or breathing changes (labored breathing after activities).
Candidiasis is not uncommon in hand fed chicks, so many breeders are now adding grapefruit seed extract to formulas in order to avoid the problem.
In adult birds I strongly recommend vet intervention rather than taking any chances with home remedies that may only give the yeast time to grow and spread.
There’s more about Candidiasis here:
http://www.avianweb.com/candida.html
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