Beaks are made of keratin. Very much as a human nail, they never stop growing and can be chipped or damaged.
Normal beaks normally do not need trimming. However, birds may need beak trimming because of trauma, sickness, malnutrition, or congenital malformations. Beaks can be overgrown or misaligned. A healthy beak is smooth, has no discolored areas, as well as a proper length and alignment of the upper and lower beak.
Causes related to beak trimming
Common reasons for beak trimming are due to:
- Deformity following a trauma: fracture, chip due to fall or fight
- Sickness: beak and feather disease, beak mites, sinusitis, neoplasia
Malnutrition - Congenital malformations
Not enough chewing toys or abrasive surfaces to wipe the beak can also be related.
Signs for beak trimming
Overgrown beak
An overgrown beak can be a result of a health problem, such as a poor diet, infections, beak and feather disease, or liver disease. The beak can also appear rough if the bird does not adequately rub it in objects. It can also be related to a deficiency in vitamin A. Parrots that only eat seed can have this issue. Such beaks can appear very scaly.
Scissors beak (crooked/misaligned)
Severe scissors beak 
Soft scissors beak
The scissors beak occurs when the upper beak is not straight (misaligned) and does not meet correctly over the lower beak. It is possible that this issue is related to incorrect artificial incubation or feeding techniques in baby birds. It can also be hereditary or develop over time due to poor nutrition.
Misaligned beaks need constant trimming and birds that have a medical reason that affects the beak needs to be trimmed.
Crooked beaks/scissors beak is more common on macaws and cockatoos.
Prognatism (Parrot beak)
Prognathism is a congenital beak deformity seen especially in cockatoos. Corrective trimming and prostheses treatments can be done. This problem is rarely seen in parent raised birds.
Beak issue complications
Beak problems can cause abnormal wear on both sides and can make it harder for your bird to eat. This can lead to dietary deficiencies and a lack of effective use.
Beak issues can be quite uncomfortable for birds, since they use their beaks for feeding, getting around, preening.
How does beak trimming work?
The vet will need to wear a mask to prevent the inhalation of beak dust. A Dremel with a sanding tool or a grinding stone drill will be used to very gently sand the beak along the sides. The vet will avoid sanding the beak down from the tip.
The overgrown portion of the beak has no feeling and can be safely trimmed away. If the living layer of tissue is trimmed down, it will cause bleeding and pain for the bird.
Some bird’s beak might need to be filled frequently in order to prevent it from growing crooked.
Can I trim my parrot’s beak at home?
Preferably, don’t try to do beak trimming at home! As mentioned, if the wrong part of the beak is trimmed, it will bleed and cause pain to the bird. Beak trimming can be dangerous, so it is ideal to be performed by an Avian Veterinarian.
Trimming a beak does not have to do anything with preventing nasty bites! Don’t trim your bird’s beak for this purpose!
How do beaks grow?
The outer layers of the beak are continuously being replaced by normal wear
and tear. Beak tissue grows continuously outward (towards the surface) over much of the beak.
How do parrots trim their beaks in the wild?
Parrots don’t need to trim their beaks in the wild because they very active foragers. They either crush or chew into their food all the time.
Why is my bird’s beak flaky?
Beaks are made of keratin, the same material as our nails. When a new layer of keratin is coming in, the old layer begins to peel off. This gives a flaky appearance that may appear alarming to some bird owners, but nothing to worry about.
Signs of a healthy beak
- Is smooth
- Have a Symmetrical appearance
- No presence of peeling or unusual textures (Members of the cockatoo family should have fine powder on their beaks)
- No discolored areas
- Proper beak length
- Proper alignment of the upper beak and lower beak
Conclusion
Granted your bird:
- Has no congenital issues or traumas
- Makes use of chewing toys or other materials that may help beak sharpening
- Has a healthy diet and lives in a safe environment
He should not need beak trimming. However, make sure to watch your bird’s beak and take it to the vet from time to time for a health checkup.
