Eckie hen with orange beak

[Mirren]

We've bred a young hen who seems to be in perfect health. She's a few months the old now, weaned and flighted and all that. Her beak is almost the exact same shade as her younger (by a couple of days) brother.

The parents are perfectly normal, this is their third clutch, but first they've raised themselves. They had a big male first clutch, then a normal hen in their second. Everything I can see says her beak should have turned black by now.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[Sterling1113]

I have no idea what the cause could be, but I'd definitely like to see a picture if you could post one!!

 

[Frumpydumple]

I think its probably just colouring.

I have seen some Eclectus that don't have black on their beak at all when they're a few months old.

I don't think there is any illnesses that would cause this either.

And yeah, pictures would be good.

 

[Mirren]

I'll take some tomorrow and post them up.

 

[MikeyTN]

The female ekkie's beak will change to jet black but it can take up to 6 months old! That's nothing unusual. Just wait and see!

 

[MonicaMc]

If the beak doesn't turn black, it could be a potential sign of chimerism.


I agree though, she just might take a little longer to get her black beak than the rest of her siblings.

 

[Mirren]

I couldn't get any closer, so hopefully this is clear enough.

 

[Frumpydumple]

That looks really weird to me. I have seen this before, but still.

 

[Mirren]

Yes, she does. We're trying to sell them both before we move house in a few weeks, but we might have to wait for her beak to change.

 

[MonicaMc]

I would think that many breeders would recommend holding her back for future generations if she doesn't get her black beak! I think it looks pretty neat, myself!


If you want, I can ask some breeders on their take of her orange beak?

 

[Mirren]

Yes please, that'd be great.

 

[MonicaMc]

Alright, post made! I'll let you know of any replies!

 

[Mirren]

Thank you!

 

[MonicaMc]

Welcome!


I've gotten 3 "likes" for the image but no replies yet. People must be getting off of work, eating dinner or perhaps sleeping! So I'll probably have some replies tomorrow! (I hope)


Would be interesting to hear what some breeders think of it, if anything!

 

[Birdman666]

Well, the bottom beak is already jet black, so I'm guessing it's gonna change with time. But, maybe it's a color mutation. It's certainly possible, maybe she's got a little extra little boy in her chromosomes?

The person to email with this question is Carolyn Swicegood. She's the "go to" Eckie Goddess... Land of Vos.

 

[MikeyTN]

I would have to agree that Carolyn would be the person to contact! With many new ekkie owners, I always direct them to her site.

 

[skylala]

Some birds just take a long time to get their colours I think.

My boy's beak is also taking a long time to change. Your girl has a nicer yellow beak then my boy does! Haha I'm jelous : P
Anyway, my boy is about 11 months old...And his beak is still very black. It's pretty disappointing. But I *think* it's starting to turn a little more recently. It's hard to tell. It hasn't changed a great deal since I got him when he was 12 weeks old =\

 

[Mirren]

I think it's slowly starting to change, but only around the edges. We haven't had any untested buyers so I guess we might see it turn black after all.

 

[MikeyTN]

She's just a late bloomer unlike your other girls!