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Introduction
Deformities are actually quite common, even in wild birds, although ones in the wild tend not to live long. In some cases, deformities can be passed down through generations, where the young may suffer with the same issues. There are many reasons why deformities occur in birds, much like anything that lives, so, on this page, we will try to explain some of those reasons.
Deformities can be problematic when they are heredity, less so when it is random. Understanding the cause can help reduce the chances of future offspring developing deformities. Catering for birds throughout their whole lives with disabilities can be time-consuming, and difficult.
What causes heredity deformities?
Well this is a good question, it can be a very long topic of which there will be agreements along with disagreements. From what we do know, and most will agree on is that, Line Breeding (siblings to parents, or vice versa) often produce heredity deformities. Here is a snippet from Google which will explain it better than myself...
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Hereditary deformities in birds, including beak abnormalities and plumage variations, can be caused by genetic mutations, environmental factors, nutritional deficiencies, and diseases.
Inherited conditions:
Examples: Leucism: Causes white patches or overall white plumage due to a lack of melanin pigments. Albinism: Caused by the absence of an enzyme involved in melanin production, resulting in a total lack of pigment.
Specific genes:
2. Environmental Factors: Contaminants: Exposure to environmental contaminants and pesticides can lead to beak abnormalities.
3. Disease and Parasites: Avian Keratin Disorder (AKD): A condition associated with beak overgrowth and abnormalities in wild birds, potentially caused by a virus. Other diseases and parasites: Can also contribute to beak deformities or other abnormalities. 4. Other Factors: Stress: Stress can negatively impact development and lead to abnormalities. Poor Husbandry: In captive birds, poor husbandry and nutritional practices can lead to crop stasis and other issues |
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I think the above explains it perfectly. Some breeders will take advantage of the above to produce birds with odd features. Line-Breeding, where children are bred with the parent (inbreeding), to encourage traits. This practice, in my opinion, is not good for the species, as they have a high risk of contaminating the future of the species. Let me explain, imagine a lot of people Line-Breeding a species, they produce many offspring with the same trait. Later those offspring are moved on to other keepers where they too will breed them. If those birds are bred with the same species who do not carry the trait by a new breeder, the new offspring will also carry the trait. Over the years, it will be almost impossible to find that species who do not carry that trait. I know, I have had many birds which throw off odd coloured chicks because of previous Line-Breeding.
Gouldian Finches are a prime example, trying to find a purebred gouldian is impossible. If I breed, for example, a black headed male, and female with both having green backs with yellow breasts, their offspring occasionally produce red-headed chicks, or yellow back chicks, this is because of previous Line-Breeding. In my honest opinion, all birds that are Line-Bred should have a closed ring (leg band), so that future keepers will know that the bird is carrying that trait. It is a good way to help keep trait carriers away from purebreds. On that note, I think all birds which pass hand, should come with some kind of certificate, listing medical history, trait history to name a few.
How can nutrition cause deformities?
Birds starved of a balanced diet usually lack vital vitamins, or minerals, which prevents their body from functioning properly. Nutrition affects all aspects of the bird, from how they feel to reproduction. Remember, birds burn up vitamins and minerals quickly, so replenishing their bodies via supplemental vitamins, and minerals is vital. Young birds still developing that are starved of nutrition will likely not develop properly, may be prone to illnesses, or diseases. Limbs may not develop correctly, may have deformed feathers, suffer from environmental factors, such as the cold.
I have rescued birds from bad breeders who cared only about financial gain than the wellbeing of their birds, almost all of them were deficient in nutrition. These kind of breeders do not want to spend the money on what the birds need to live a full healthy life, they'd rather save the money to buy more birds to breed. I think it is fair to say, these type of breeders should be put out of business, by not buying from them in the first place.
A lack of vitamins & minerals can also affect eggs which are laid, the chicks may grow with visable health issues. The eggs laid will not have enough vitamins, or minerals to support the life within, which in turn causes chick deformities, or even chick death. Splayed Legs, and Angel Wing in young developing chicks are a perfect example of a lack of calcium. Their bones are often soft where they should be harder.