beak question...

[Flappuccino]

I've had my gcc for a week now. I've made an appt for a new bird checkup, but while I'm waiting, I'd like to know if you've seen this...
Chino's beak has a ridge along just one side of it. Almost like it was pushed up on the side when it was soft and then hardened like that. That side of his beak doesn't close all the way- theres a little thin space. He eats fine (like a horse, actually LOL) and it doesn't seem to be bothering him.
I was wondering if this could have been caused by the breeder handfeeding him?
I fed Jack with a syringe from the age of 2 weeks and he doesn't have a problem anywhere on his beak, but I was curious if this can happen...?

[tielfan]

I'm no expert on this sort of thing, but I doubt that it's due to handfeeding. It's good that you're going to the vet because this is something that needs to be looked at.

[birdlady49]

Beaks grow at different rates and are worn down at different rates. He probably just needs a trim. But be sure to point it out to your vet.

[Beaks]

yes it could have been caused by handfeeding.

[Flappuccino]

Thanks for the replies.
If she could have "lifted" that side of his beak, and I ask the vet to shape it, will it grow back normally?

[birdlady49]

Originally Posted by Flappuccino

Thanks for the replies.
If she could have "lifted" that side of his beak, and I ask the vet to shape it, will it grow back normally?

It should grow back normally, but your vet will determine that after looking it over. If your bird has a "scissor" beak, then regular trims will be necessary. Otherwise, it should wear down naturally from eating, climbing, playing, etc.

[Flappuccino]

I would hope it would file itself down, except in the place where it is (all the way back on the side of upper beak). It's almost like a little tab bent out at the side. I've heard that it you trim a bird's beak, it grows faster, and you have to do this continually. Is it the same when it is filed? I ask because if it does grow faster, I wouldn't want it to do this on the side.

[Beaks]

just have the vet grind it down with a dremmel and it should be fine if its not too bad.

if the lower is offset then it will have to be done a few times until it corrects itself or the vet fixes it with a brace.

[Flappuccino]

I posted a question about my new gcc's beak a couple of weeks ago. Thanks to all who replied...
Now his beak looks as if it's beginning to "slough off" at the tip up upper beak, and front of lower.
It's kind of flaky.
Chino is somewhere around 4 months old, according to the breeder.
Is this common in a young bird approaching a 6 month molt?
My lovebird never did this...

[saucie]

I have a sun conure who is almost 4 months old. His beak looks a bit flakey as well. The breeder and the vet have both told me that this is natural. He is just growing out of his baby beak ;) The vet told me that a powder vitamin supplement would help. I don't know if it's the same type of flaky as yours though. Conrad's beak just looks like it's a peely.