Kestrel beak crack

[acraig]

I noticed my kestrel had a crack in his beak. Tonight I noticed he was flicking his tongue out and a piece of the crack is "flaking" off. I have tried to reach my sponsor but seeing as it's later in the evening I have not gotten a response. If anyone has any advice on what I should do until hearing back from my sponsor I would appreciate it very much.

[oregonrt]

Is it the outer layer of the beak? Or is it a crack from the outer surface, deep and through to the other side- like split in two?

[acraig]

Outer layer. Does not go straight through. At least not that I can see.

[oregonrt]

Then it may just be his beak "shedding."
I would definitely ask your sponsor and show him as well.
Keep us updated, I'm interested!

[acraig]

Will do! I am supposed to see her (my sponsor) in the next few days. Hopefully sooner if she thinks the beak is an issue. At least the crack doesn't seem to be causing any pain.

[acraig]

When I got my bird out if his box this morning his beak looked totally normal. After talking to my sponsor and a couple other falconers we have come to the conclusion he was probably sloughing off old material.