Budgie Underbite?

Lita · Jul 22, 2013

As probably no one at all knows, as I'm new to the forums, I work at a chain pet store. (And please no shouting; I take a lot of personal responsibility to make sure all of the animals are cared for properly and that people are making informed decisions about animals as pets.)

A few weeks ago, we got in a number of budgies and soon noticed that one of them had an underbite. Its lower beak protrudes beyond (and, when it grows, over) the top beak. With the lower beak trimmed down, the bird can eat without apparent difficulty, as they are otherwise perfectly normal, but this was something I was unaware could even happen to birds.

Is there anything that could cause this, or is it just an unfortunate malformation? Is there anything I/the store can do for the bird besides making sure the bottom beak stays trimmed? My manager isn't the best at keeping up with animals, so I want to make sure I can be there to keep the little one as healthy as they can be with such a weird beak.

Mayden · Jul 22, 2013

Lita said:
As probably no one at all knows, as I'm new to the forums, I work at a chain pet store. (And please no shouting; I take a lot of personal responsibility to make sure all of the animals are cared for properly and that people are making informed decisions about animals as pets.)

A few weeks ago, we got in a number of budgies and soon noticed that one of them had an underbite. Its lower beak protrudes beyond (and, when it grows, over) the top beak. With the lower beak trimmed down, the bird can eat without apparent difficulty, as they are otherwise perfectly normal, but this was something I was unaware could even happen to birds.

Is there anything that could cause this, or is it just an unfortunate malformation? Is there anything I/the store can do for the bird besides making sure the bottom beak stays trimmed? My manager isn't the best at keeping up with animals, so I want to make sure I can be there to keep the little one as healthy as they can be with such a weird beak.

In all honesty, it's best to have a vet check it out. I appreciate that that might not be possible if you're in a chain store, but at the very least make it very clear to the potential owners that it will need to see a vet. Maintenance after the vet check should be relatively straight forward. Beak issues like this are better off being 'fixed' by a vet as young as possible whilst bones and such as still pretty malleable.

With budgie's being fed on seed, you'll have to ensure the bird is actually eating as they can struggle because their beaks are designed to crack seeds - which he will struggle with, with his beak as it is.

Lita · Jul 22, 2013

They're definitely actually eating; I change the food every day I'm at work and check for seed shells and missing millet from the spray. We're going to adopt the bird out to someone with bird experience and the ability to have the beak trimmed as needed, I just wondered if there was anything more we could do, like something to permanently fix the beak or a diet that may be easier to eat with a frequently-trimmed beak.

Mayden · Jul 22, 2013

Lita said:
They're definitely actually eating; I change the food every day I'm at work and check for seed shells and missing millet from the spray. We're going to adopt the bird out to someone with bird experience and the ability to have the beak trimmed as needed, I just wondered if there was anything more we could do, like something to permanently fix the beak or a diet that may be easier to eat with a frequently-trimmed beak.

Is she caged on her own? I'd just be worried the others are eating (though looks like everyone is) and she might be missing out! Not knowing what the setup is like, I can't really comment, just wanted to cover all corners

You can feed her 'soft' type foods, so soft veggies and fruits. I don't know if pellets would be any easier for her to eat compared to seeds, hoping someone with more knowledge can chime in.

She might be completely fine, thats probably the type of budgie I'd take on, I tend to flock towards the 'special needs', so I hope she goes to someone who will treat her properly with vet visits etc.

Lita · Jul 22, 2013

Yup! Alone in the cage, but with other budgies in the room. There's a big, natural perch, a couple toys, and millet and a seed/pellet budgie mix and a big dish of fresh water. Oh, and a cuttlebone, though I'm not sure if they're chewing on that at all. Something to check tomorrow.

I'll ask my manager about giving them some fruits and veggies. We have a freeze-dried mix we give to a lot of the animals for variety, and I can see if they like them, whether dried or rehydrated. The mix is much softer, so that's a good idea.

Mayden · Jul 22, 2013

Lita said:
Yup! Alone in the cage, but with other budgies in the room. There's a big, natural perch, a couple toys, and millet and a seed/pellet budgie mix and a big dish of fresh water. Oh, and a cuttlebone, though I'm not sure if they're chewing on that at all. Something to check tomorrow.

I'll ask my manager about giving them some fruits and veggies. We have a freeze-dried mix we give to a lot of the animals for variety, and I can see if they like them, whether dried or rehydrated. The mix is much softer, so that's a good idea.

Ah righto! Well that's just my suggestions anyway, I hope the poor mite finds a good home and thank you for being so caring towards pet shop pets. I used to volunteer in a pet store that had less than ideal conditions but I worked tirelessly to improve that whilst I was there. I'm glad others do too

Budgie Underbite?

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