Most parrots, Australian parakeets (cockatiels), and a variety of other birds can keep their beaks tidy by chewing and playing. However, some types of birds have beaks that can enlarge due to disease, malnutrition, or lack of toys. Never cut a pet bird's beak yourself as this can cause intense pain to the animal. However, go to a bird doctor who can carry out this procedure painlessly.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Visiting the Vet
Step 1. Determine if your bird's beak needs trimming
On average, a bird's beak that is properly cared for does not need to be trimmed as it will naturally shorten itself when the bird chews its food. If you notice a bird's beak is deformed, the top is growing longer than the bottom, or is cracked on one side, take the animal to the doctor so the beak can be trimmed and trimmed.
The process of cutting the beak can cause pain and trauma to the bird if not done properly. Never do it just to beautify the bird's appearance
Step 2. Find an ornithologist
Not all veterinarians are qualified to trim birds' beaks. If you live in the United States, look through the Bird Doctor's Association directory to find a bird specialist near you. Call your doctor by phone first to make sure he or she has handled your pet bird species. Bring an old photo of your bird with a healthy beak, or a photo of another bird of the same species.
- Even though the doctor should already know which parts of the beak should not be cut, it will be very helpful if you show a picture of a bird's beak that is still healthy before making the cut.
- The lower beak of the parrot will be cut straight.
- Australian cockatoos and parakeets have beaks that are sharp and curved in the middle. So, the lower beak should not be trimmed straight.
Step 3. Ask what tools will be used
The ornithologist will use a grinder to remove the excess beak. If he uses a high speed drill, such as a Dremel, he will use a low setting and use it sparingly to keep the beak from getting too hot. Doctors can also use a nail file, a good tool to remove rough spots on the surface of the bird's beak. Scissors should not be used in this process.
- If the speculum is to be inserted into the bird's beak, make sure it is not metal. Birds will sometimes bite when the beak is trimmed and metal can damage the beak. Dog toys can be used as an alternative, as long as they are the right size.
- Birds usually do not need to be sedated during this procedure.
Step 4. Pay attention to the procedure
Make sure the doctor cleans the bird's beak with a disinfectant solution first. If the doctor uses a grinder, have him/her install a new grinding head. Diseases can be transmitted from one bird to another through repeated use of grinding heads. This process usually takes 20 minutes.
- Your veterinarian or staff will gently hold the bird with a gloved hand.
- Sometimes, the top of the bird's beak will be tucked into the bottom so as not to hinder this process.
- The doctor will gently smooth the beak until he sees white dots on the surface of the beak. Sharpening the beak beyond this point will hurt the bird.
- The beak must be trimmed so that the surface used for biting is even. Otherwise, this section can be distorted and cause further problems in the bird.
Step 5. Give your bird time to recover
Beak trimming shouldn't be painful for the bird, but it can still be stressful. Bring the bird back home and place it in its usual place. Make a soothing sound, but don't overdo it. Give up water and food, and keep it away from other humans for at least a day.
- If your bird is accidentally injured in the middle of the slaughter, ask your doctor for help to restore it. Birds with cracked or bleeding beaks should be hospitalized.
- If the bird is in pain, its beak will feel stiff for several days. Puree his food with water before giving it, and give him a variety of fruits, vegetables, and sprouts that are easy to chew.
Step 6. Ask for a diagnosis
Bird beaks that grow too long are usually triggered by certain reasons. Tell the doctor what your bird feeds on, what's in the cage, and where the cage is placed. Unnatural beak growth can be caused by infection, liver disease, malnutrition, and a lack of tools to enable the bird to self-groom.
- Listen to the doctor's advice. For example, if the doctor tells you that your bird has liver disease, you will need to make serious changes to the type of food it is fed in order for it to survive.
- Birds with liver disease should eat a diet rich in fiber and low in fat without too much protein. Avoid giving seeds, or just give sprouts.
Method 2 of 2: Encouraging Birds to Care for Their Own Beaks
Step 1. Feed your bird a healthy diet
Don't give grain too often because too fat can make birds rarely use their beaks. Buy premium pellets and give lots of fresh vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, garlic, mustard greens, asparagus), as well as a variety of fresh fruit to birds. Give a few almonds to the bird every day so it will chew.
- Find out if your bird is a florivore, omnivore, granivore, frugivore, or nectarivore.
- Even though the diet of each bird species is different, pellet-shaped food should usually be given as much as 65-80% of the total meal. Consumption of vegetables should be between 15-30%, while the rest can be in the form of whole grains and fruits.
- If your bird is used to eating seeds, try feeding seeds that have germinated to help him transition to vegetables. The fat content of sprouts is lower and the texture is similar to vegetables.
- Birds that eat too much fatty food are at risk of developing liver disease which can lead to overgrowth of the beak. These birds need a vegetable intake, as well as orange peel, egg yolks, whole wheat seeds, and turmeric for the detoxification process.
Step 2. Buy your bird a chew toy
Buy chew toys for birds. You can buy ready-made toys that allow you to hang pieces of natural stone, blocks of wood, plastic beads, and real pieces of coconut from a string. Place several toys in the cage at once, then turn them around so the birds don't get bored. If you see your bird chewing on one of the toys often, buy more of the same.
- Buy lava rock. You can hang the lava rock in the cage or place it next to the cage. This object is very useful for sharpening the bird's beak naturally.
- Hide food in chew toys. Buy a toy that opens and closes where food can be tucked in. Your parrot's beak will sharpen on its own as it rips the toy apart.
- Check rope toys regularly to straighten out any tangles. Tidy up tangled strings as they can get caught in the bird's fingers.
Step 3. Set up a special place to perch
Your bird can trim its own hooves and beak to keep it in top condition if it has a layer of cement, pumice or natural stone to roost with. After eating, the bird will rub its beak into the place so that it remains sharp and neat. Purchase a perch specifically designed for your bird species. For example, look for perches made of essential minerals that are in the bird's natural habitat.
- Do not replace all bird perches with special conditioning products, as these are less comfortable for birds to sit on for long periods of time.
- Do not sand the bird perch.
