Beak Trimming

08-07-2007, 06:41 AM

I need some opinions on beak trimming. Occy will be 2 in Dec. His beak is enormous and long. Im starting to think it might be too long. It doesnt interfere with his eating though. Im debating a trim but Im afraid it will alter his personality which is not my goal. He has serious wing clip anxiety so I can only imagine what a beak trim would do. Ill try to get a good pic. Opinions????

08-07-2007, 07:46 AM

heres some pics. Please give me your thoughts. Would you trim it?

08-07-2007, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leighrivera

heres some pics. Please give me your thoughts. Would you trim it?

Only the center pic sure makes it look like he does need a trimming. I would do it if I were you or at the very least (if ya don't have already) provide a concrete type perch for him to hopefully wittle it down himself. I personally would not risk exposing him to germs at a vet office or even a pet shop.

08-07-2007, 09:32 AM

Personally yes I would trim it,if you have never done it yourself it's best to have the Vet do it.Has he had a Vet check to see if there is a reason why his beak is growing long? Does he chew much on toys?? If not and you can get him intersted in chewing that might help him work it down on his own.

08-07-2007, 09:41 AM

He has 3 sandy perches plus tons of wood toys. I trust the store I go to to groom it but my fear is it will adjust his attitude. He's so sweet and out going. I dont want to screw him up! How is it trimmed? What tool?

08-07-2007, 10:29 AM

Leigh.... I think the concrete type perches work better than the sandy/sandpaper type - plus easier on the feet IME.

I have used nail clippers (be ever soooo careful not to clip his tongue) - this is a job best done with 2 people, one to properly restrain the bird and the other to do the trimming. A dremel tool is used by the vets I heard, have not tried that myself but may soon (I never get over-grown beaks btw).

Great that you found a shop you trust that practices strict hygiene & disinfects everything (including the A.C. ducts on a periodic basis at least).

Btw, beak over-growth can be caused by a high protein diet in some types of birds - so check that. The beak should remain in proper condition without trimming, in birds that are maintained on a healthy diet supplemented with fresh fruits & veggies, exposed to adequate periods of sunlight, allowed to bathe regularly & provided with hard woods to chew.

Case in point: Once I made a sympathy purchase of a canary with bad scissor beak. I put it in long flight cage with cuttle bone, a couple concrete perches (in addition to other types), healthy diet and the best F.S. Lighting I know of (IMO) and a couple months later his beak was perfect - without any trimming from me.

08-07-2007, 10:40 AM

Here are some pics of how the professionals usually do it:

08-07-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~J~

Leigh.... I think the concrete type perches work better than the sandy/sandpaper type - plus easier on the feet IME.

I have used nail clippers (be ever soooo careful not to clip his tongue) - this is a job best done with 2 people, one to properly restrain the bird and the other to do the trimming. A dremel tool is used by the vets I heard, have not tried that myself but may soon (I never get over-grown beaks btw).

Great that you found a shop you trust that practices strict hygiene & disinfects everything (including the A.C. ducts on a periodic basis at least).

Btw, beak over-growth can be caused by a high protein diet in some types of birds - so check that. The beak should remain in proper condition without trimming, in birds that are maintained on a healthy diet supplemented with fresh fruits & veggies, exposed to adequate periods of sunlight, allowed to bathe regularly & provided with hard woods to chew.

Case in point: Once I made a sympathy purchase of a canary with bad scissor beak. I put it in long flight cage with cuttle bone, a couple concrete perches (in addition to other types), healthy diet and the best F.S. Lighting I know of (IMO) and a couple months later his beak was perfect - without any trimming from me.

Boy is this scaring the crap outta me! I wonder if I should cut back on the avian trio. Im afraid to let it go so it doesnt build a blood line. I hate to take him out anywhere. I clip his wings myself but this Im not willing to risk on my own. Ill try a concrete perch and see if he will nibble there.

Thank you!!!