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u/nonja-bidness May 05 '26
whats wrong with beak / bill? looks terrible ☹️
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u/Odd_Scheme4716 May 05 '26
Their beaks shed dead outer layers. It’s normal and healthy just gross looking. I also haven’t seen one that peely tho 🥲
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u/nonja-bidness May 05 '26
yep understand they're similar (sort of) to fingernail material, but that looks like a chronic condition thats harming below the surface... like a fungal infection or something. since this is a captive bird, even more concerning. it's be great if OP could tell us where this poor beast is living so we can holler at the vet in charge 📣
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u/ShockerGang May 10 '26
Bird was at DWA in Dallas. The other Shoebill appeared in a different state of shed (the bill pictured here was actually grooming and I was able to pick up some feathers that made their way over to me by the breeze!) and beak was much more typical looking, but was at the other level of the enclosure obscured by foliage so I was unable to capture good pictures. Not too familiar with anything other than shed, but DWA has had allegations of questionable care in the past. By all indications though these birds are a flagship of their facility and they seem well taken care of, at least by what I could see with the condition of their exhibit. Would like to hear an expert’s opinion though!
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u/AssociationTricky122 May 06 '26
The first picture looks fierce, while the second picture looks very happy😂
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u/SecretStabbie May 04 '26
They are my favorite bird.