beak growths

jacqueline · #1 (**permalink**) 24-08-2009, 11:11 AM

hi, I saw a dunnock (I think) with a strange beak growth. I was looking through binoculars so view wasn't that great. Does anyone know what this may be please and will it pass onto the other birds at the feeders?

jacqueline · #2 (**permalink**) 26-08-2009, 04:20 PM

I take it no one has any thoughts....

valleyforge · #3 (**permalink**) 26-08-2009, 04:50 PM

Sorry jacqueline ... looks like your post got overlooked ... there have been some technical issues with the forum lately, so maybe that had something to do with no one spotting your query. Anyway, a big welcome to the WAB forum.

Could you maybe describe the growth(s) a bit better ... was the beak overly long, or did it look like something was growing out the side, or what ... or maybe upload a photo of the bird if you have one? We'll do our best to answer accordingly.

natureguy · #4 (**permalink**) 26-08-2009, 05:02 PM

Hi jacqueline, Ive just had a quick google and Avian Pox could cause a fleshy lump at the base of the bill. As vf says maybe a bit more info would help someone to identify it.

As far as spreading goes yes it most prob will spread to other birds via feeders etc. The only thing you could do is just be more scrupulous about claening etc. (not suggesting it came from yours in the first place, but will help to stop the spread)

Hope someone will be able to help you more soon

Welcome to WAB btw

jacqueline · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2009, 05:58 PM

hi, thanks for replys, I tried to get better look at him but he seems to have disappeared now! His beak though was not long and he had a couple of growths around it - I thought at first he had raisins stuck on it! Looked up avian pox and I think that's what it was so have reported it to the RSPB - apparently they are monitoring this disease... He only was feeding from the grass though - so how would I clean this???

natureguy · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 12:22 AM

Hi Jacqueline, I wouldnt worry too much about it then,the only thing you can do if youre putting seed on the grass is just to make sure your not constantly putting it down in one area so that bacteria isnt building up in on place, but doubt it could be spread that way anyway tbh. As long as you're feeders are clean and the RSPB are aware then there's nothing else you can do.

aland · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 05:05 PM

Hi jacqueline, This is a problem that pops up from time to time we have had blue tits the same, At the moment we have the problem in one of our cage
birds my wife as to carefully trim its beak once a fortnight, it grows so fast, It is a deficiency of some sort, It would not do any good to attempt to trim wild birds as it is a recurring problem, aland.

p,s It is not catching and is in that bird alone.