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Post by Liz on Nov 17, 2007 21:02:13 GMT
Yesterday I noticed that one of my bubs has a beak malformation. I should have seen it sooner, but oh well, can't go back in time. The top part of the beak curls in and goes inside the bottom, which is longer than usual. I know I'll have to trim it, but are there any tips or suggestions on what to use or anything? Is it safe to trim a bubs beak? Will it be a continuing problem? PS, Sorry for all the questions guys, if this keeps up I'll be a pro at all the problems known to bird keepers in no time...
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Post by Berserka on Nov 17, 2007 22:40:16 GMT
If you didn't ask questions you'd either be an expert or you wouldn't be a good birdkeeper coz you wouldn't care! Personally, I wouldn't trim a baby's beak as they are rather soft and any slip could spell disaster. I've had birds with bad beaks - right now I've got a Red Rump with an overgrown lower beak that I have to trip every couple of months. The beak does look terrible but it doesn't affect her. I had a budgie that his upper beak grew way too long as a result of his inexperienced mum taking a chunk out of it when he was in the nest. I kept it trimmed every couple months and he went on to be one of my best breeders. Keep plenty of cuttebone, calcium bells for the bub to chew on as mostly it will look after it's own beak you'll just need to give it a helping hand every couple months.
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Post by Liz on Nov 18, 2007 1:05:48 GMT
Thanks so much for the advice and encouragement, Karen. I've been needing a lot of that lately, haven't I? I'll hold off on the trimming for now. I really didn't want to have that responsibility with all the risks right now, but I also don't want it to get to a point where it hurts him or keeps him from being able to eat. I'll try to post a pic of him tomorrow, (hopefully with updates on the rest of the lot as well) and I would be most grateful if you could take a peek...
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Post by Berserka on Nov 18, 2007 11:32:24 GMT
Beak trimming ultimately is no different than nail trimming. You could pay a vet $15-$20 a time to do it for you every couple months but doing it yourself just feels "right". I'll gladly look at the pics for you.
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Post by Liz on Dec 2, 2007 20:09:17 GMT
Gah...I am sooo behind... I never got pics posted because the baby decided to learn how to fly, and I didn't want to upset him more than I had too, and on top of that, he seems to have taken care of it himself... How on earth did that happen? The beak was completely curled into the bottom half... anyway... thank you very much for the advice.
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Post by Berserka on Dec 3, 2007 11:44:24 GMT
That is great news. I like it when these issues resolve themselves. Just make sure you keep an eye on him.
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