Hi there,

 

My beautiful Custard's developed a really rough coating on her cere and beak. I think it might be scaley face, but it doesn't look like the other pictures I've seen of it. Also, there's nothing on her feet or legs that I can see. She doesn't seem to be irritated by it either. She does rub her face on the perch sometimes, but no more than she usually does when she's had a good munch on some carrot or millet.

 

The other problem is that she's quite skittish and is a nightmare to catch without freaking her out (she was older than the shop said she was when I got her), going to the vets will be difficult.

 

Anybody got any ideas?

 

 

Edited March 3, 200619 yr by Janette

the pictures didn't come up

It definitely looks like the beginnings of scaley face to me. Many budgies are hard to catch but the best way to is to use a small hand towel or wash cloth and then transfer her to a smaller travel cage. If her cage will fit in the car you can also just take that one instead. Just clip all the doors shut and remove any toys, swings, etc. that might knock into her during the car ride. Fasten the cage to the seat with a seat belt and cover it to keep her warm and calm.

 

Everything will turn out fine. She won't like the vet visit or the medication but she'll be better in no time once you get her properly diagnosed and treated. Good luck!

what a sweeting, I love the yellow on the top of her head. I agree it looks like it or it looks like she just finished eating oatmeal. Take Terri's advice, get her checked out and treated.

You are in the same situation as me. My budgie has scaley face too, however it isn't very advanced at all, and she is quite flittery and I have to give her this ointment that I rubb on her. What it is supposed to do is kill the mites that cause the problem. She also has it on her feet too.

I have learned too and this time I'm using gloves to give her her ointment. . In fact I've got to reapply some more tomorrow. *gulp* :worried:

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

I was just wondering, how quickly does scaley face progress? Is it a matter of days, weeks, or what? I'm going to get her to the vets asap but I've got to find an avian vet as I've never had cause to take them to one before, and then I've got to arrange to get her there as I don't drive. Will she be okay for a few days? While I find a good vet? Also, does anybody know how much scaley face treatment is in the UK?

 

Also, do I need to take Jimmy with her? They live together, so he (I can't get used to saying she) might have the mites too. Or should I just treat him with the ointment for Custard?

Edited March 4, 200619 yr by Janette

she'll be fine, as long as it is a major problem now. (You'd know if it was, it's a horrible sight). And yes, the other bird will need to be treated as well

Just had to add... WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BUDGIE! the colourings are so sooooo pretty :hap:

Thanks Una. I'm totally in love with her; she's a beautiful girl.

Don't forget to scrub out the cage, perches etc too, when you have treated them

Use an insecticde that is okay for birds...

 

You can apply baby oil to the feet legs and cere to prevent this reacuring.