Q: Is it true that I should have my bird’s beak trimmed?
 – Miles.B., Billings. MO

A:  A bird’s beak is made of keratin, the same fibrous protein that forms our nails and hair. And like our nails and hair, beaks are in a state of perpetual growth throughout life. One would think that this would necessitate a beak trim every now and again, but this is not usually the case. If your bird’s beak is normal in appearance, there is no need to have any work done on it.

Because birds do not have hands, their beaks are used in nearly every activity they perform. A wild bird uses its beak for excavating and lining a nest, climbing and eating to name just a few purposes. These activities naturally wear down any excess growth on the beak, keeping them in perfect shape.

Ideally, it should be the same with our captive parrots. Their beaks should be getting enough of a work out with cage bar climbing, object manipulation and toy destruction to keep them in proper shape, but it is not always the case.

When I brought Theo, my goffins cockatoo, home, she was not in the greatest shape emotionally or physically. Among other issues, she was fearful of everything and reacted to toys with near hysteria. As a result, her beak was constantly overgrown due to lack of use. I knew this right away by looking at her because the pointed part of her upper beak was squared off and jagged, telling me that her beak had overgrown and the tip had recently snapped off.

Should your bird’s beak need to be trimmed, this is most definitely a job for your vet or a groomer experienced in beak trimming. The beak contains an active blood supply and live nerve endings. A miscalculation on your part will cause bleeding and pain (and future mistrust). A vet or groomer will recognize certain changes in the beak tissue that will alert them that they are approaching the blood supply.

Rusty The Eclectus Before Beak Trim 

Rusty After His Beak Trim 

You should be aware that sometimes an overgrown beak can be the result of health problems (usually liver related or due to malnutrition), but it is more commonly a matter of lack of use. The very best way to keep your bird’s beak in great condition is to see that he uses it frequently by chewing materials such as wood and in other activities that include the beak. A bird with a healthy enthusiasm for play and toy destruction will least often be seen with an overgrown beak and will have no need for any trimming.

It is normal for small parts of the beak to chip or peel away. This is part of a normal pattern that slowly replaces the outermost part of the beak with new growth from beneath. Your bird’s beak will constantly be undergoing such renovations.

**NOTE: There are beak maladies that are not caused by under-use such as malocclusion, a misalignment known as scissor beak as well as other abnormalities that effect the texture and appearance of the beak. Health issues, like PBFD, could be indicated by such abnormalities and your vet must be alerted and involved in treatment.  

Patty Jourgensen specializes in avian health, behavior and nutrition and has been working with and caring for rescue birds since 1987.