Caique's Beak

[justwingingit]

I have a pair of White-bellied Caiques. The female has a nice sized beak, but the male seems to have a bit of an overgrowth. They are on a pelleted diet with lots of stuff to chew, and they do, so does anyone have this issue with their Caique? I hate to do beaks on birds unless necessary, but I wanted to check with other owners before I tackle his beak.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

I'm not sure exactly what is meant by 'overgrowth' but it is quite common, especially for younger birds, to have to get an occasional beak grooming. This should only be done though by a vet (or potentially a very experienced groomer, but I'd go with vet). In the vets hands however this is a quick, safe, easy, and (physically) painless procedure. I have little doubt that it's a bit scary, but in Auggie's first year he went through it several times and was no worse for wear.

 

[justwingingit]

Thank you for your reply. I am an experienced groomer as I do a mobile bird services business, however, I take any beak trimming very seriously and want to make sure that it is absolutely necessary. I do know of people and groomers who trim birds beaks because the owners think they are too pointy. The birds aren't honing them on perches as such because they have nothing better to do. I will keep an eye on it though. Again, thank you for your response.