Expert: Abi - 7/12/2008

Question
Hi Abi
I know it is not your speciality but im rather stuck right now and need some help. (Chinese Painted Quail are much like a small chicken so maby uve seen this problem on them before). I recently noticed my 2 year old hen (quail) has an overgrown upper beak, about 7mm longer than her bottom one. I dont know how long this has been like it as she is an aviary bird and not handlded often but i know it is a recent occurance say over the past few weeks. She is still plump and healthy by what i can tell, so i dont know whether it is effecting her eating, but i am ver worried it is and that maby it will keep growing. Should i take her straight to the vet?? is there anything i can do, such as put somthing else in her diet? or clip it? i am so scared it will harm her at some point and i feel very guilty for not seeing it earlier. Any suggestions??
Thanks
Stacey

Answer
It is quite a common problem; she will need taking to the vets to have her beak clipped. I would definately advise you not to do it yourself as they have blood vessels in their beaks and you could cause them pain.
Try to do it as soon as possible before it starts to effect her eating and quality of life.

Thanks for your question.