Post by Bridget on Jun 14, 2009 16:44:16 GMT -5
Hey guys!
Well, I was checking Charm over today and I noticed that the upper side of the tip of her tongue was a yellowish tint (about 1/6 of an inch) The other areas of her mouth are yellowing, like here cere and "corners" of her mouth beneath her eyes. I immediately called my sponsor and explained everything, just to be on the safe side. We ruled out frounce, partially because my description of her tongue does NOT fit a typical frounce description, plus I'm feeding her foods that could not give her frounce. She's in great condition, staying over her flying weight around 1300 to 1400, depending on the day. She's currently on a diet of natural chicken (only select parts, which does NOT include organs, mostly just muscle and meat), whole fox squirrel and whole rabbit. I am also giving her a vitamin supplement on occasion. She acts like a normal bird, moulting out feathers and growing new ones in fast. She does open her mouth on hot days like today, oh, and her feet are yellowing and turning somewhat orangey as well. My sponsor told me that I shouldn't worry, and to just keep a good eye on her like I've been doing.
What I'd like to know is do Red-Tails' tongues typically change color like this? Is this to do attribute with the chicken I've been feeding her? I've heard that chicken makes a bird's mouth and feet "yellower".
I can't help but be a bit worried. I've put too much time and attention into this hawk not to be!
Thank you for your upcoming advice, criticism and comments. I really do appreciate them. These help me become a better falconer. Thank you!
Bridget
Well, I was checking Charm over today and I noticed that the upper side of the tip of her tongue was a yellowish tint (about 1/6 of an inch) The other areas of her mouth are yellowing, like here cere and "corners" of her mouth beneath her eyes. I immediately called my sponsor and explained everything, just to be on the safe side. We ruled out frounce, partially because my description of her tongue does NOT fit a typical frounce description, plus I'm feeding her foods that could not give her frounce. She's in great condition, staying over her flying weight around 1300 to 1400, depending on the day. She's currently on a diet of natural chicken (only select parts, which does NOT include organs, mostly just muscle and meat), whole fox squirrel and whole rabbit. I am also giving her a vitamin supplement on occasion. She acts like a normal bird, moulting out feathers and growing new ones in fast. She does open her mouth on hot days like today, oh, and her feet are yellowing and turning somewhat orangey as well. My sponsor told me that I shouldn't worry, and to just keep a good eye on her like I've been doing.
What I'd like to know is do Red-Tails' tongues typically change color like this? Is this to do attribute with the chicken I've been feeding her? I've heard that chicken makes a bird's mouth and feet "yellower".
I can't help but be a bit worried. I've put too much time and attention into this hawk not to be!
Thank you for your upcoming advice, criticism and comments. I really do appreciate them. These help me become a better falconer. Thank you!
Bridget