Beaks

[Staysee]

So, my patagonians beak is slowly changing from pale to dark now and this morning a top layer came off. I'm sure this is normal but I was wondering.....do parrots have a like "teething" stage like babies do? As this morning Syd is particularly destructive and just wants to break everything with her beak haha

 

[GaleriaGila]

When the Rb's beak changed over, he was 6-9 months, as I recall, and yes, it was raggedy at times, just like his tail-feathers! His beak didn't really get smooth (nor did his tail-feathers) until 2-3 years old, if I'm remembering correctly.

 

[SailBoat]

The Beak is more like our fingernails that a tooth. It continues to grow from the root to the end. Parrots activity use their Beaks to investigate and as you noted to tear things-up.

In their natural setting, their Beaks would be busy all the time, access food sources, like carving in to a branch or seed packet, even after a larva. This supports your need to provide them things to tear apart. Left to their own choices, they will likely find something that you do not want to be chewed.

Lossing /flaking and entire outer layer is something that I have not seen or heard of, but Patagonians tend to find a join in cutting away limestone. It is more likely that your Parrot dislodged a thin lay and popped it off. With time, that layer will fill back in as the Beak continues to grow.

Enjoy!

 

[Carl_Power]

I wouldn't worry too much. A lot of Parrots get scratched and messy beaks and some people even file them smooth. Xander is 8 month old and his beak was similar to what you are saying and just grew normal again. Try some cuttlebone or a mineral perch or something Parrot safe with a little calcium in it. Should help the beak stay strong and get pretty looking again x