Acappella Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I've been browsing around this site and others to try to figure out if Dorian's beak needs to be trimmed or filed. The reason I first became concerned was when rope he was chewing, or his own down feathers, were getting caught in a rough ridge edge about 1/4" from the tip of his beak. (he lets me pull these off his beak) Now I'm looking at some of the other pictures of member's birds and his beak looks overgrown. Also, the top 'layer' of beak has formed into a point that looks like it's where his beak should naturally end. He's not a big chewer. He'll rip paper and chew on the ends of a rope perch, but he's never chewed on his manzinita (sp?) perch. He also doesn't have a clue what a foot toy is, although after his first trip onto the floor yesterday I'm hoping I'll be able to introduce some. I've put in toys with leather and rafia etc. but he never chews, just swings from them and bats them around. I'm going to slowly introduce a concrete perch that I have but he's so wary of any stick-shaped object that will take time. It doesn't seem to be interfering with his eating, playing or groming. Will this overgrown tip wear down on it's own? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tari Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I would not file or trim a beak unless he was having trouble eating. There are a lot of nerves in that beak and filing is pretty hard on them trimming is even harding on them. I have two birds with abnormal beaks. My grey has a slight scissor beak I have never ever had it trimmed. My amazon has an over grown beak. The vet waked it off once. He meant well but I have informed him never to do that again unless I ask. As long as he can eat I wont trim it ever. IMO it is just to hard on them to to make it look nice. If it works don't try to fix it is my moto. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acappella Posted January 30, 2008 Author Share Posted January 30, 2008 Thanks Tari. I'm definitely not asking for cosmetic reasons - I think he's gorgeous! I'm trying to learn what is normal/not normal and when it's time to intervene. I've noticed he's been dropping almonds (when they're still in their shell) and I'm wondering if his beak may be a reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tari Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Maybe maybe not. It took Que a few years to figure out how to even open an almond. She still drops them from time to time. But well go down and get them when she is ready to work on it. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kibibi Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I agree that it shouldn't be done for cosmetic reasons but an overgrown beak can lead to serious problems. Obviously the best scenario is to get him to chew more stuff Easier said than done as you know A common mistake people make is buying toys that are too large for their bird. They think it's a good idea because the toy will last longer Which is the opposite of what you really want So you may want to try smaller toys. I guess the best advice is just to try as many different sizes, textures, colors, etc etc until you find something that he likes to chew Also provide rough perches (like concrete) which will keep their talons filed down AND their beak as they wipe it on the perch. Having said all that, most people and vets use a file or Dremel tool to gently file their beaks. "Cutting" their beak like you would their talons is very dangerous and isn't recommended. They do have feelings in their beak so it's best to only file a little bit to avoid damaging the beak. If you damage the beak, it will further discourage them from chewing which will worsen the problem in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamelessmuse Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 The main thing that would concern me is the things catching in it if it has a rough edge. If he has a rope perch, anything that could thread even a tiny bit and he got hung when you weren't around could be terrible. If there truly is a rough enough edge that things catch on it then I would let your vet take a peaky-poo at it. But, if it isn't hanging up too much it shouldn't be an issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acappella Posted January 30, 2008 Author Share Posted January 30, 2008 My big problem is I live in a rural area of Ontario, Canada, and I've not been able to find an avian vet anywhere closer than Toronto, which would be a considerable trip and trauma. I have heard a rumour about a bird groomer who will come into your home and am trying to track that person down hoping that myself and a couple other bird owners in town could get together to make her trip worthwhile. Meanwhile I keep searching for a vet. I have started out with medium/small toys, mostly because Dorian is so scared of anything new, but he doesn't chew, just beats them up! Anyone have any ideas on how to teach him to chew? (This may end up being a 'be careful what you wish for' situation:P ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamelessmuse Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Get him some toys that are designed to be destroyed. They make these awesome natural (straw like, but it isn't straw) pinatas that have goodies inside. Or make your own and hide his favorite treats. I love this site for making your own toys: http://nalanitoys.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now