Cockatoo with Scissor Beak or Parrot Beak

[PapaC]

I have recently adopted a 12 year old Goffin Cockatoo. So far the adoption has been wonderful. We are clicker training him and have introduced him to foraging games. We have also upgraded his diet.

Unfortunately we have noticed that his beak alignment is off. This is something we just noticed today. I don't know if it was a gradual change or something that happened recently. He had a vet visit right before our adoption, but have't seen the official report. I assume there wasn't any red flags at the time. We are sending pictures to our vet, but probably won't hear anything until later this week.

I was wondering what the differences are between Scissor beak and Parrot Beak? Is there something we can do as a home remedy? Do these things come on quickly? I'm worried that it is result of some trauma I didn't witness or I don't have the right mix of toys in his cage at the moment.

 

[PapaC]

Here is a photo...

 

[Kentuckienne]

That's not a normal beak, and you might do well to take him to the vet. Or at least call...some parrots develop scissor beak for various, usually human related, reasons. If it's corrected early the beak may develop normally. Too late and the beak will need regular professional care forever. It could be that the condition already existed and the beak has grown enough for the problem to be visible. The beak might have been trimmed before you got the bird, so you might not have noticed it.

 

[SailBoat]

Based on the time stamp of your Thread, I have no way to know where in this huge World you are located. So, I am going to guess; North America.

Regardless of what the Rescue Vet may or may not have reported, after all, all they are commonly asked is where the Parrot is health and/or suffering from illness. At most it is a visual review with a blood screen per the request of the Rescue Group.

You need to get 'your' Parrot in to see a CAV (Certified Avian Vet)! Your CAV will complete 'at your request' a detailed Avian examination with a complete Blood Screen (I recommend a DNA test at that time) and depending on what is found in the blood tests, possible additional tests.

During that examination, the CAV will take a very close look at both your Parrots Beak Structure, toe nails, leg structure and will discuss with you what trimming needs to be completed.

NOTE: From your single photo that defines a single side of the Beak, there is clear indication of over-growth that IMHO needs to be addressed earlier rather than later! Which means, you need to make an appointment in the very near future.

The Beak is a very sensitive structure!!! It is not a DIY or a non-professionals type of work. The margins regarding two much or not enough is very tight and a screw-up can result in serious damage to the beak and/or long term injury to your Parrot!

 

[plumsmum2005]

Yes please do seek the attention of a CAV for help and guidance with this. You say you recently adopted and have upgraded his diet. Poor diet is one possibility as an explanation for this.

Be prepared that blood tests will be necessary to pinpoint. I would be taking SailBoats advice on the screening if it was me.

How comprehensive was that previous visit and tests? If his diet was that poor before you need to know what is lacking to make adjustments.

Another thought is has there been any trauma to his beak that you know of?

Well done on the diet improvement btw, certainly the way to go? Come back and let us know how things go please?

 

[Jottlebot]

Is it the same on the other side? If it is it looks to me like an overgrown beak rather than misaligned. Looks like he hasn't had enough to chew on to keep the lower beak trimmed and he wasn't grinding it for some reason. Possibly it just got too long and he couldn't.

If that's the case then hopefully it won't be a recurring problem and environmental changes will help him.

Either way though you need to see a good CAV to get it sorted now and give you a plan of action for the future

 

[Allee]

Thank you for adopting an adult cockatoo. It looks like a scissor beak to me. I agree with the others, a thorough work up by a CAV is definitely in order, the sooner the better. Parrots use their beaks to eat, play and climb, the nerve endings in the upper part of the beak make the beak sensitive, your little guy is probably in pain. A slightly overgrown beak can be conditioned with chew toys and nutrition but a scissor beak will require a vet. Please keep us updated, you have a real cutie there.

 

[Flboy]

From your welcome post, you are somewhere near the Elizabeth, CO,,(Gabriel Foundation) area.
I would expect they would have a list of competent Vets!

Ouch! Just Cockatoos they have 78 they are trying to place!

 

[Scott]

Definitely not a normal beak appearance, and something a certified avian vet would immediately notice. The potential causes are many, ranging from dietary deficiencies to overgrowth from lack of effective use.

I would doubt a sudden trauma would cause this, more likely it grew steadily until becoming noticeable. In any case, a professional evaluation is needed, and if necessary the beak can be trimmed. Definitely *NOT* a DIY project!!

What sorts of foods does he eat?

 

[PapaC]

I would to thank everyone! I know it's been while since I posted this, but we were able to bring Sagan in the next day to get is beak treated. Apparently they have potential to go through crazy spurts while changing environments, which was Sagan's case. We had just adopted him. We have been monitoring it for future grooming. Thanks again everyone

 

[Scott]

Awesome, thanks for checking in. We love to hear of positive outcomes!!