Blue Tit with Deformed Beak

christina · #1 (**permalink**) 19-02-2010, 03:45 PM

Hi all

I was in the garden today trying to get some nice shots of birds and took these photos. It was "just another blue tit" until I checked the pics on pc. This little chap appears to have an extra long upper part of his beak. Will this cause any problems when trying to feed young? The tit appears to have no problems eating:

url=http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/archive/showphoto.php/photo/122754]

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Many thanks
Christina

andywolves · #2 (**permalink**) 19-02-2010, 07:41 PM

Seems to be a fairly common thing amongst Blueys..this thread was posted awhile ago but you will see what I mean

Freaky beaks!

Andy

christina · #3 (**permalink**) 19-02-2010, 10:39 PM

Thank you Andywolf for the link. Very interesting indeed. I hope this little bluey survives, it looked healthy and active. It would be nice to be able to catch it and take it to an expert to trim. RSPB is just down the road, but then they are not vets.

Thanks again for the link

Christina

Simples · #4 (**permalink**) 20-02-2010, 07:53 PM

I've had BTs with beak and foot deformities. Maybe it's something we're feeding them?

christina · #5 (**permalink**) 21-02-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simples

I've had BTs with beak and foot deformities. Maybe it's something we're feeding them?

I did think that myself...all our bird feed comes from RSPB and I would have hoped that their feed would be good for the birds.

This little BT has, so far, survived this harsh winter and long may he continue.

I noticed from the thread posted that this is not uncommon and I myself did wonder whether chemicals had a part to play in this deformity (our garden is 100% chemical free, excepting what comes from the sky and the roads). Bless litle BT.