Button Quail Beak Problems

[Saphine]

Hello everyone,

I have a single hen Button Quail, after her friend (another female) died of old age. She's been alone ever since, but I've thought about getting another quail for her.

My main concern is her beak- it is starting to grow a little long. The top mandible anyways. Also, I'm concerned about possible 'growths' at the corners of her mouth. I've read about something similar before (it was in a book about a bobwhite, who had a similar problem). What does this mean? I've been feeding her normal feed with her grit, and recently tried some flax seed (which she loves!). I'm a beginner poultry (if you count these little guys as such!) keeper and so I'm not fully decked out.

Another concern I have for her is breathing. She's been like this almost ever since I got her (last November) but she's almost always breathed out of her mouth. I don't know if there's something wrong with her nostrils or what- they don't appear to be damaged in the least.

Thank you!

 

[GrandmaBird]

can you post a photo?
It could be anything from mites to other illness. does she have anything to peck on to keep her beak trimmed. Even just a dish with oyster shell will help. If it is just the natural overgrowth I can tell you how to fix that but I would want to see it first to see if its just growth and not a tumor or other problem. Good Luck

 

[Saphine]

Here are some pictures. You can see this yellowish stuff in the corner of her beak:

 

[GrandmaBird]

She does need the top beak trimmed and the best thing is to take her in to a vet that cares for birds. If you cant afford that or can not find one check around your area for anyone who raises birds. Lots of them have the experience in trimming. It can be beneficial to be sure that the bird has oyster shell to eat and not just soft foods. that is why we fed crumbles. anyway you can try to file it yourself but be warned if you get it too short it can really hurt her. the beak is full of tiny nerve endings so be ever so careful. and just file do not cut! The stuff in the corners of her mouth look almost like food. Is it hard? she needs immediate care as with this beak she will soon not be able to drink and would die.
Good Luck

 

[Saphine]

The avian vet only takes more of exotics- parrots, finches, etc. She says she can't do chickens (and no quail either). I tought so too. She doesn't like me near her face but I'll try to see if it's actually food or not. I think it's hard, though.

I'll try to find someone who has quail; I got her at a bird fair and I forget the breeder. I'll start looking. Thank you!