Overgrown beak on new bird?

[Owlet]

So I might be getting an ekki tomorrow. I've seen pictures and videos of him (as well as talked to the current owner to get more information) and it seems the beak is a bit overgrown. Now of course if I do get the bird I would want to have his beak trimmed asap and the earliest I'd be able to do it is this Wednesday. Now I'm worried that that is too soon. I would of just gotten the bird and that's stressful all in its own, I don't want to suddenly force more stress onto him. How long do you think I should wait, or just get it done on Wednesday? I will include pictures when I can.

 

[plumsmum2005]

How old is this parrot and can you put up any pics of the beak.

It would be a shame causing so much stress for nothing. I have asked my AV about Plum's in the past and he said no it's fine.

A good rough stone or perch to rub on can help also.

 

[Owlet]

The bird is 13 and I'll post a picture in a moment

 

[SilverSage]

Eckies tend to get overgrown beaks more easily than other birds. I'm not sure why, but at least around me it seems like every rescue eckies has an overgrown beak. I personally would make the appointment and then cancel it if the bird seems to be handling the transition poorly.


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[Owlet]

Sorry for the poor quality of the pic but all I have right now is what the owner has provided me with. I have arrange a meet up for tomorrow though and if all goes well I'll likely be bringing him home with me.

 

[SilverSage]

Yikes!


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[Owlet]

Yeah.. that's why I wanted to get him in as soon as I could but I definitely don't want to cause him too much stress so I'm a bit at a loss as to what to do.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Yikes indeed. If he has been to the AV before it should be OK? They aren't keen but put up with it. Would the current owner come with you as some reassurance, go straight to the AV? Just a thought.

 

[Owlet]

I don't know to be honest. I don't think her and the bird are are closely bonded as she hadn't had it for long, only a few months she said. She had some complications with another pet though and thought he would be better off with someone else.

 

[chris-md]

If you're planning on going to the vet anyways, I would have it done for sure. It definitely needs to be done.

Once that's been done, from there it's maintenance. Offer lots of shredding opportunities, foraging opportunities, and provide a couple textured perches (concrete perches, for example) they can condition/rub their beak on.

Diet and health can be a contributing factor (excess carotene or liver issues). Fresh fruit and veg diet will take care of that, unless there's a genetic issue.

 

[Owlet]

Well I didn't exactly plan on going to a vet. There's a local exotic bird shop here and they do beak, nail, and wing trims.

Grooming Services

Though please do tell me if that'd be a bad idea..

 

[plumsmum2005]

Pop in to talk and see what goes on. You will know immediately if it isn't right. If you go ahead ask to stay in the room.

I would be unsure of having such an overgrown beak done all in one go. But happy to stand corrected if anyone knows different?

 

[Scott]

Well I didn't exactly plan on going to a vet. There's a local exotic bird shop here and they do beak, nail, and wing trims.

Grooming Services

Though please do tell me if that'd be a bad idea..

Pop in to talk and see what goes on. You will know immediately if it isn't right. If you go ahead ask to stay in the room.

I would be unsure of having such an overgrown beak done all in one go. But happy to stand corrected if anyone knows different?

Wow, that is one overgrown beak! My female Ekkie has a chronically overgrown beak that is managed by her vet. I would be *very* leery of having a groomer manage the overgrowth. At the very least an avian vet should provide an initial check for disease or other underlying cause. A Dremel rotary drill is the preferred technique. Whether this bird tolerates the grinding may be problematic. Mine has no issue with the current vet, though years ago she needed to be anaesthetized! For that reason we'd let it grow considerably to reduce the risks of the gaseous anaesthetic.

In the case of angel the precipitating issue was a distortion of the bottom surface of her lower beak, possibly caused by a virus. Please consult with an avian vet!

 

[SailBoat]

Pop in to talk and see what goes on. You will know immediately if it isn't right. If you go ahead ask to stay in the room.

I would be unsure of having such an overgrown beak done all in one go. But happy to stand corrected if anyone knows different?

Well stated information above!

It is important to understand that at the base on the Beak, our Parrots have nerve endings! Having an individual that is unaware and/or not professionally trained in the proper trimming of the beak can produce a painful event instead of noisy /vibrating one!

As stated correctly above. There is a limit to the amount of Beak material that should be removed at any one setting. Removing to much material (length /volume) may result in a Parrot that has serious problems eating.

Although, there is a correct way to hold the grinding tool to limit the exposure of the material ground entering the Parrot's Air-Sacks. The more material removed the greater amount of material the Parrot is exposed too.

Growth of this level commonly are associated with underlying medical issues. Issues that are beyond the understanding /knowledge set of a 'Trimmer.'

 

[Owlet]

I actually went to the shop yesterday to check it out and I didn't get to talk to the groomer, didn't see him there, but I was able to talk to a co-worker of his and he seemed very nice, helpful, and accommodating. I can call in or possibly email and ask them about the overgrowth. I'll also call the avian vet to see what they say.

 

[OutlawedSpirit]

I agree that you should see an avian vet about his beak. I never have to do anything with my female's beak, and my male has to be done every 4-6 months due to his blindness. Although he is starting to play with a few toys, he does not chew enough on anything to maintain his beak like a typical sighted bird would.

It would be a good idea to take him to an avian vet, anyway, just because he is a new bird and the vet could give you advice on anything he needs diet wise as well.

 

[EllenD]

I certainly hope that you took or take this bird to an avian vet and not a groomer, and do it quickly! There is most likely a very serious reason that his beak is that overgrown, and you really need to diagnose and treat it immediately...

"Dance Like Nobody's Watching"

 

[Owlet]

I did end up taking him to the avian vet to get it trimmed as I wanted to get him a general check up too. Everything is alright and he's much happier with his shorter beak.

 

[Scott]

I did end up taking him to the avian vet to get it trimmed as I wanted to get him a general check up too. Everything is alright and he's much happier with his shorter beak.

Fantastic! My vet uses a Dremel with appropriate tip for the beak and nails. My previous vet insisted on anesthetizing Angel (my problematic Ekkie) due to her alleged bad attitude, but the current vet has no trouble.

 

[davefv92c]

Well I didn't exactly plan on going to a vet. There's a local exotic bird shop here and they do beak, nail, and wing trims.

Grooming Services

Though please do tell me if that'd be a bad idea..

I would let it get settled before causing anymore stress

I guess I'm a lucky my Aviary does house calls for me,along with free life time grooming for any of their babies which I do have 2 of their's