Beak don't look normal

[Kittykk]

I'm a new Eclectus owner. I purchased my boy from a very vague owner that didn't give me much information on him only that he's a year old and come from Queensland. I've noticed his beak doesn't look like other parrots. It's jagged on the sides is this normal?
Thanks in advance

 

[Flboy]

No help! Bumping you up! Beautiful baby!

 

[Scott]

That is a bit different! I assume the jagged shape is symmetrical to both sides? If you are able to find an avian veterinarian, might be a good idea to take him for a "well check" and inquire during the visit.

 

[coopedup]

Nothing to worry about, it's nothing abnormal. The jagged edges are simply from wear and chewing. Sometimes they are also from running the rails...sawing back and forth on the cage bars. You can have a vet tech or groomer even it out for you but it's certainly not a big deal. I'd be more concerned about beak color--it is very pale, which can indicate poor diet, but since he's so young (about a year you said) it could also be he's just at the maturing stage where he loses the blackish streaks and his beak starts to color up. It should look more like candy corn--a rich orange with yellow tip. Either way, welcome to the ekkie club, and have fun with your boy!

 

[Kittykk]

Thank you for you advice. Yes the beak is symmetrical on both sides.
It's also peeling at the top a little lighter in colour towards the bottom. I don't think he's had the best start in life. Very sweet natured but very shy doesn't make a sound. He's not eating a great deal and is not keen at all on fruit and veg. I've been giving him a variety of fruit and veg at room temperature and the only thing he's keen on is mashed sweet potatoes.
Thanks again

 

[SilverSage]

I was going to point out the color as well. Keep trying with the fresh food; eckies need at least 70% fresh food, and beware of any pellets with artificial vitamins!

I have found a couple of good tricks for converting picky eaters.

1) sprouts. They are salad disguised as seeds. Chick Pea sprouts seem to be like cake to my eckies.

2) when you chop, use a food processor. Get the pieces too tiny to sort through. Also try various temperatures. Don't give up!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Kittykk]

Great tip
Thank you

 

[davefv92c]

7 months old I noticed the dark areas on both sides of Maxx's beak and I figured it was pretty normal since same on both sides. he is always getting around in his cage just a grinding away on feed. at 7 months his black is almost gone and the orange is starting to come in.
http://www.parrotforums.com/members/davefv92c-albums-pics-picture17468-p1010019.html

 

[coopedup]

Thank you for you advice. Yes the beak is symmetrical on both sides.
It's also peeling at the top a little lighter in colour towards the bottom. I don't think he's had the best start in life. Very sweet natured but very shy doesn't make a sound. He's not eating a great deal and is not keen at all on fruit and veg. I've been giving him a variety of fruit and veg at room temperature and the only thing he's keen on is mashed sweet potatoes.
Thanks again

Give him time. LOTS of time. It took my rescue 5 months to finally start exploring and being more confident. Let him set the pace. Quiet interaction, being around/near, talking to him--all help. Mine is still a very picky eater too, but find things he likes and mix in with things he should be eating. Wrangler doesnt have the typical sweet tooth, not too keen on fresh fruits (wont eat any dried fruit or raisins) but if i toss in a bit of granola, he eventually ends up eating some of the fruit too. Pasta or rice mixed in with veggies helps, as does seasoning. They dont have a great sense of taste or smell but mind adores anything spicy so I sprinkle on cayanne or some other pepper/chili. He prefers his chop warm but that's another issue entirely. Its going to be a process, dont expect miracles the first month. You cant correct the diet immediately so likely you will have to continue with some less than ideal ingredients until you can get him converted to healthier food. Sure wish this would work on my husband!