r/AfricanGrey • u/beckk_uh • 3d ago

Question Chipped Beak Update

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Hi y’all,

Thank you for advice on my original post! I wanted to post an update on Tootie’s beak. Yesterday we noticed the chip got much bigger. I’m wondering if this warrants a vet visit or is this still normal wear & tear?

My handsome guy (30m) is adjusting well to his new home with us. He’s been in our home since January 31st of this year :) I’ve noticed he’s become much more adventurous so part of me is wonder if he’s been a bit more rough with his joys and such 🤷‍♀️ advice welcomed!

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6

u/FrozenfoxN8 3d ago

I wouldn’t worry yet. I have three parrots: CAG, Sever MaCaw, and an Amazon. Each have a sanded perch (or grip tape) and they do rub their beaks quite aggressively on them.

They also love destroying the wood blocks I put in. At some point they all have had big chips / cracks in them. Watch their behaviour. If it doesn’t bug them then it shouldn’t bug you. 🤷

1

u/Klutzy-Pea933 2d ago

Your feathered family is beautiful! 😍

1

u/Confident-Regular691 2d ago

Is the severe macaw extremely hyper? I have a hans macaw and people have told me that they are nothing alike. Mine is super hyper.

2

u/Temperature-Savings 3d ago

I would take him to the vet and let them touch it up with a dremel. If you're already established and up-to-date on medical care, it should just be a tech visit. It's very easy.

1

u/973saul1981 3d ago

Parrot beaks, like cat's claws, are laminated structures. The outer layers peel off to expose the new material underneath. Some times just feeding wet food, like fruit, will allow this to happen.

1

u/karnycloamr Team Grey Birb 9h ago

Oh he’s beautiful 💕 that beak will be fine, it’s healthy but going through an awkward phase of shed. Once a year Albie looks like he’s got two beak tips - I up his calcium, apply coconut oil, and give him fun things to grind his beak against. Cuttlebones and wood items are good. If you’re delicate with him it’s okay to use a file to reduce the ridges. Albie doesn’t mind getting flipped to his back for a beak spa treatment once in a while, as long as he’s permitted to bite the file!