Should I get a Timneh with a malformed beak?

[natzback]

I have a chance to get a Timneh but he has a malformed beak - twists over to one side, he is 5-6 months old. Both that are available have this, one more severly than the other.
I don't care about the looks, I am concerned about him being able to eat ok and get the nutrients,etc he needs. Also, will he be able to talk like this?
If anyone has experience with this. let me know.
I am aware he will most likely need beak grindings, I have done this with all my birds at some point with a Dremmel, just probably more often with this.

[Monica]

It sounds like he has scissor beak... A possible beak trim MAY help this unless it was a birth defect. Nevertheless, the bird MAY need occasional beak trims for the rest of it's life. You shouldn't be concerned about talking, but as far as food goes, it may depend on the severity of the beak problem. Depending on the beak may depend on whether or not the grey can eat seeds. If it cannot eat seeds then it may need a completely fresh diet, or one supplemented by pellets.

I have Charlie here, who is missing half of his lower beak, and on top of this has scissor beak. He can't eat seeds but he does eat pellets. He can eat most fresh foods without issues. He also talks and says a few words!

[The Outlaw]

I would be absolutely certain that the beak malformation can be corrected by beak trims and have a vet in place to perform them before taking the grey. Sometimes, its minor and can be managed. However, it can get a lot worse. Think it through.

[svolk]

I've heard "scissor beak" a lot lately - what exactly is this?

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

I think its when the bottom of the beak comes out to the side in stead of being normal. Crystal

[Monica]

Sarah, if you look at Charlie's pics, you can see that he has scissor beaks... basically meaning that the maxilla (upper beak) and mandible (lower beak) do not properly align, normally with the mandible growing to the side...

Scissors beak: Scissors beak is a lateral deviation of the rhinotheca. It is a developmental abnormality that occurs most commonly in cockatoos and macaws. It is thought to be caused by improper temperature during artificial incubation, genetics, or incorrect feeding techniques. Other possible causes include calcium deficiency, trauma, or a viral or mycobacterial infection.

Treatment varies with the severity of the problem and the age of the bird. In young birds with mild deviations, simply applying finger pressure to the appropriate side of the beak for several minutes 2-3 times daily, may correct the problem. In older birds, or those with more severe deviations, an avian veterinarian may need to perform surgery and apply a type of acrylic prosthesis (splint) to correct the abnormal growth.

http://www.peteducation.com/article....articleid=2752



http://feistyhome.phpwebhosting.com/JayJay.htm

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by natzback

I Also, will he be able to talk like this?

I dont have experiene with sissor beak, tho have had several with other disablilities. I would seek out a vet like Nancy said before you try it on your own. As far as eating and such, it shouldnt be a problem.
If I am correct someitmes Sissot beak can occur from rough/impropper handfeeding....
(anyone know?)

Even with a completely normal grey, there is a chance they wont speak. So I dont think the beak has anything to do with it, more likely just the individual bird.

[Mammabird]

If both the birds available have this problem, there is something wrong, do you know if the birds are related? I would say the breeder isn't doing something right or their could be health issues. I would be even more worried that if the breeder isn't handfeeding correctly there might be other areas the breeder didn't do properly or didn't have the knowledge to do properly. Do you know how much experience this person has with breeding? If the birds are related there could be genetic issues, problems with the birds that you can't see.

[Maui's Mom]

I agree with mammabird. how did 2 come from the same breeder with this problem, not to say it cant happen, but it seems odd.
Are you purchasing direct from a breeder or from a bird store, or a pet store etc ? My GW is now 7 month old, she had a prostetic made for her beak. she work it for 7 weeks and now she is straight as an arrow.

Have your own vet check the bird out before you purchase, a good breeder should not have a problem with that, AND IF the place your purchasing from, does have a problem with you seeking out a vet first, then for me that would send up a red signal and I would walk away and look else were.

[CALVINS MOM]

I have a scissor beaked bird (my caique) as does my significant other (a B&G macaw). It poses no problem to either with eating - just creates more need for beak trim. Sometimes it is caused by hand feeding on one side. I guess I always go for the birds who are either unwanted or have some physical problem (my TAG is blind in one eye and cross-eyed in the other and is now approaching 24 years old), so I guess I am not a good one to reply here. Hey, I look at it this way - they all need love and they all need good homes. It just takes the right person who is willing to deal with the physical defect.