Post by Karen R Quinn on Jul 18, 2009 9:56:37 GMT -7
Normally, your bird's beak should not require trimming. The natural wear and tear that your bird puts on its beak during daily feeding, climbing, beak-grinding and playing is usually enough to keep your bird's beak healthy. However, if you see any abnormalities you need to seek professional help.
Things you'll need:
A visit to your avian veterinarian
Occasionally, a bird might have physical limitations or deformities that make self-care of the beak impossible. Malocclusions are one such case. In this situation, a bird's beak may be under-shot or over-shot. More commonly, the upper or lower beak (Maxilla or Mandible) veer or grow off to the side. This can be due to birth defect or injury. Certain illnesses, such as fungal infection or mite infestation, can cause beak-growth problems, too. Injury can be another reason for beak growth problems.
It is important to note that a beak length that might seem normal on one species of bird may be too short or too long on another species. For example, a Hyacinth Macaw has a beak that is relatively long when compared to other Macaws. If you are not sure what is normal for your type of bird, ask your avian veterinarian.
If you are concerned that your bird's beak is not being naturally kept in peak condition, see your avian veterinarian. Do not attempt to remedy this yourself. It is important that you find the cause of the abnormality, instead of simply treating it. Once you find the cause, you and your veterinarian can discuss the best ways to keep your pet's beak in the best health.
If your avian veterinarian thinks the birds beak needs to be trimmed, this can be accomplished by the use of a Dremmel. Your vet can teach you how, and what to do to trim or even out your birds beak.....but this should be at the suggestion of your avian vet, and not something you do without the proper instruction.
Tips & Warnings:
When in doubt, ask your avian veterinarian.
Do not attempt to trim your birds beak without first seeking guidance, and a reason for the problem from your avian veterinarian!
Things you'll need:
A visit to your avian veterinarian
Occasionally, a bird might have physical limitations or deformities that make self-care of the beak impossible. Malocclusions are one such case. In this situation, a bird's beak may be under-shot or over-shot. More commonly, the upper or lower beak (Maxilla or Mandible) veer or grow off to the side. This can be due to birth defect or injury. Certain illnesses, such as fungal infection or mite infestation, can cause beak-growth problems, too. Injury can be another reason for beak growth problems.
It is important to note that a beak length that might seem normal on one species of bird may be too short or too long on another species. For example, a Hyacinth Macaw has a beak that is relatively long when compared to other Macaws. If you are not sure what is normal for your type of bird, ask your avian veterinarian.
If you are concerned that your bird's beak is not being naturally kept in peak condition, see your avian veterinarian. Do not attempt to remedy this yourself. It is important that you find the cause of the abnormality, instead of simply treating it. Once you find the cause, you and your veterinarian can discuss the best ways to keep your pet's beak in the best health.
If your avian veterinarian thinks the birds beak needs to be trimmed, this can be accomplished by the use of a Dremmel. Your vet can teach you how, and what to do to trim or even out your birds beak.....but this should be at the suggestion of your avian vet, and not something you do without the proper instruction.
Tips & Warnings:
When in doubt, ask your avian veterinarian.
Do not attempt to trim your birds beak without first seeking guidance, and a reason for the problem from your avian veterinarian!