Feathered Family Inc.

We all know birds have beaks, and we know parrots have Hooked Beaks (hence the term, hook bill), but it has become painfully obvious to us that not everyone knows about caring for a parrots beak.

Parrots beaks are vital to their health and well being, and any problem with the beak can become devastating for the bird quickly. Deformities of the beak can come from many sources, from cancers to lack of proper chewing opportunity. The beak is normally kept in proper shape by daily use, as in feeding, assistance in movement, and chewing. When the beak does not appear to be normal, this is a beak deformity, and can easily become life threatening.

Problems with the beak can range from a Malocclusion (scissors beak) to severe overgrowth to tumors on the beak. Trauma to the beak is also a concern, it can result in punctures, crush wounds, fractures, and even breakage. Beak trauma is most often caused by either a fall, or another bird.

Scissors Beak is thought to be caused be improper incubation. It appears most commonly in Macaws and Cockatoos but can occour in any species. Your vet may be able to use appliances to help straighten the beak, or to reshape the beak via filling, but often surgery is needed to correct the deformity.

Liver disease, and other medical conditions can result in overgrown beaks, and beak tumors. Not only must you treat the beak, but  you must treat the cause in order to correct this condition. Parrots with overgrown beaks can die from starvation easily.

Rubber bill is another life threatening deformity to a parrot beak, most often seen in doves and pidgeons. This disorder causes the beak to be extremely soft, and is usually found in birds who lack calcium and vitamin D.

Chronic nasal infections can easily cause a slight deformity of the beak, usually seen as longitudinal grooves in the upper mandible.

Knemidokoptes Mites, or Scaley Face is an infestation of mites. This is seen most commonly in Budgies, but does happen with other species of parrot. Left untreated the mites cause severe damage to the beak, legs, and vent and can cause a bird to die.

PBFD: AKA Beak and Feather Disease. Parrots afflicted with this virus have a very low chance of survival. The beak separates from the underlying bone, which is extremely painful. Cracks and fissures in the beak are often the earliest seen symptoms. Secondary infections in the beak are common, and can be treated with antibiotics, but PBFD is nearly always fatal.