I think if it were me I'd take him in to the vet for a trim and checkup, just to be on the safe side. If I saw any beak overgrowth on my birds it'd be enough to raise my eyebrows. If you get to know the vet and the techs and develop a rapport with them I believe it can be a great thing for the vet to know your birds. Even my budgies do fine with vet visits. This is just my opinion though and I do know that you want to do what you feel is best for your birds Leigh (we all do).

I honestly have no confidence in vet care when it comes to birds. I feel like its all still an experiment. If the beak grows back after the next trim, I will take him. But my gut is telling me theres no need for a vet right now.

ughh I agree! Makes me feel quite insecure.

I agree that avian medicine is still very much a progress in the works, but I do give certified avian vets some credit. Being certified means that they have special training and experience with birds. A lot of the routine tests done are relatively simple as well (I say this since I'm in the science field).

Human medicine is also very much a work in progress as science gets more advanced.

I'm sorry I must agree with Bea here. Too over grown or just somewhat over grown it is not normal, despite how healthy a bird appears and how well you care for him. Like my crayon it could be congenital and not disease. But a trim is in order, and some tests to rule out liver issues or deficiencies, and most likely a diet change. Even if you are feeding him correctly for an Ekki, it might not be right for him. Like crayon who needed weekly trims... a diet change turned those trims into once every 4 months. And her original diet was fine for conures, just not fine for her.

I made a note of Bea's statement - for my own education. I appreciate it as well - very much so.

The thing is I've been almost bullied by well meaning people who really believe in this care of the beak. When I resist I know inside they are frustrated. When I see how beautiful & happy their bird is I am happy for them but still confused.

Leigh I know you do your best for all your birdies. I had no idea the Ekkies are so special. I guess if I had thought to get one I would have been reading even more. Good thing for them I didn't.

What would be a good thing to do once the beak is trimmed? Bea mentioned a lot - I would certainly bring this info with me when talking to others you value for their expertise. I can't say that I understand what is really going on with this beak.

We have a member who doesnt frequent here much, but she has an Ekkie. And after he was dremeled he never needed another trim.

I do appreciate the opinions of the panel here, but like I said it has to feel right to ME, with all due respect. Either way Im not sure. I think only the care giver knows the bird well enough to decide. Regardless of what blood test say, I think theres something that grows in a certain part of the world, specific to a diet, that we just cant replace no matter what. Im waiting just a little longer for his molt to be over, then we will go for a trim. Im digesting all the opinions so please, no one feel blown off if I dont run to the vet. But keep in mind, if there was anything that was an emergency, I would never neglect to get them there. Being the caregiver, I dont feel this is an emergency.

Jac two things come to mind when I see an over grown beak, diet and liver.

Diet; according to Harrison; Excess protein has been associated with overgrowth of beaks and nails. As was mentioned Ekkies have especially low protein needs.

Dr. Harrison has put 14 chapters of his Clinical Avian Medicine book online. Excellent reading especially Nutrition I & II.

LINK: Avian Medicine Online

But wouldnt the nails and beak go hand in hand? His nails are fine.

Leigh, from my experience; No. While I do believe it can affect both, that's not been my experience.

We just recently got the birds diet under control, so I've seen what it can do in regard to nails and beaks. Kita gets very long nails quickly and has no excess beak growth. Kady's lower mandible gets too long very quickly and he has no excess nail growth.