|
Parrots are termed hookbills
due to the curved, hook-like shape of their beak. Finches and canaries
with their short, straight beaks are considered softbills. The shape
of a bird's beak determines the type of diet it can consume.
A parrot's beak is very strong
as demonstrated by their ability to crack open nut shells and devour fruits with
thick skins. Parrot beaks are also extremely agile in that they
required to be used to delicately groom feathers. All in all, they
are amazing tools. Just consider all the functions upon which a bird must
rely on his beak to accomplish and you will understand how vital a tool it is
to their survival:
-
Eating
-
Gripping
-
Climbing
-
Preening
-
Defense
-
Courtship play
-
Feeding young
-
Burrowing a nest
No wonder a bird's beak is
often referred to as it's "third hand!" A bird's beak, just like human
fingernails, is continually growing. Growth can be up to 3 inches per year
depending on the bird species. If provided with adequate chewing
opportunities, a healthy bird's beak will rarely require grooming.
You can help your bird maintain
his beak health by providing items to encourage chewing and exercise of the
beak:
Additionally, items such as
grooming perches with a rough abrasive surface are great for birds to be able to
rub their beaks on.
Seriously overgrown beaks can
inhibit a bird's ability to eat and groom themselves properly and will
necessitate professional grooming. Be aware that an overgrown beak or an
abnormal growth on the beak may also be a sign of disease or infection.
Liver disease, vitamin D3 deficiency and trauma can all lead to abnormal growth.
The underlying cause of the beak deformity will need to be investigated by your
vet. A parrot’s beak
consists of many layers of keratin and there are multiple nerve endings at
the tip of a parrot’s beak. Mistakes can result in very serious and
painful injury and deformity. It is highly recommended that only your
veterinarian trim your bird's beak, a process which involves grinding and
reshaping the sides
of the beak and dulling the tip.  Print
Version
|
