Biting toes

[dykeswa]

Has anybody every had quail that are 2 years old bite their toes so bad that they lose toenails ,if so what is up with this....Thanks in advance for the help

 

[quailbrain]

Have they always done this or is it a new thing? Does he pick at others too?

I had a button who pecked at his feet constantly and I found that he had a small string/hair on his toe tangled up. If this is new I would assume that he has something bothering it. Either a string or an itch or something. Make sure his feet are able to get clean and clear off poo and stay dry. They seem to like to be clean so he may have been removing something dirty. Other than that I wouldn't have a clue. I do hope you figure it out.

 

[monarc23]

Are you meaning the bird bites it's own toe nails off or that others are pecking at them and the quail is also pecking at it's own toe nails ORRR the bird is all by itself and it's biting off it's own toenails?

If it's in with other birds, I'd assume that even if you only see it pecking at it's own toes the others are probably pecking at them as well. BIrds will peck at areas that are uncomfortable...so say that it tore at a toenail, and then bled and the others were picking at the toenail, the bird in pain will also peck at it's own toenail.

If this isnt the case that's a new one. I highly doubt it has anything to do with the bird being 2 years old though.

 

[dykeswa]

Quote:
To all that replied, I recived a call about this. The way I understand it they are on dirt and it is the birds pecking their own feet. My thought is they might have bird mites but the guy said he just sprayed the area with something to get rid of bugs. So I just don't know.

 

[chickabator]

maybe the stuff he sprayed is burning their feet? just a sugestion

 

[quailbrain]

I would be wondering about what it is he sprayed as well. If it is bothering their feet maybe they are trying to relieve the ich/burn? If they have not been on dirt before they maybe see their feet in a new light? Maybe the dirt is bothering the toes if this is a new set up (I'm assuming they haven't been in it long only because they have sprayed it for bugs and I guess I assume the birds weren't in there for this) Again, so many questions I have about the cage and the birds, and what is happening in detail. I hope it can be figured out and resolved before any injuries occur.
Good Luck!

 

[dykeswa]

Quote:
Maybe I will have him hook up with BYC .....

 

[maran magpie]

Sounds like this quail has athletes foot.Is the skin dry and cracking around the toe nails?