Beak wear question

Mushka has started chewing a lot lately. No other behavioral changes, her poop looks good, good appetite. She isn't acting lethargic and she is not beak shy at all, I have checked her beak thoroughly and there are no visible injuries or injuries I can feel. But she has been wearing her beak down faster than normal the last couple of days. As far as routine nothing has changed, and no diet changes. The only thing I can think of is she got a new wood chew toy she likes a lot. I am curious if this could be an early indicator of other issues. I would rather not take her to the vet in this weather, and I don't want the stress on her if I can avoid it. Any advice on what I should keep an eye on or should I go ahead and get her to the vet for a checkup? I am including some pics so you can see her beak.







Thanks in advance!

It would be rare for a Beak to wear quickly working on wood that is normally included as part of toys. Beaks are designed to natural wear as they use them. With Companion Parrots the problem is over-growth of the Beak from little to no active use.

The shape of the Beak looks proper, not overly long, nor overly short. Nor is their any specific wear locations one would see if a specific area was being worked hard.

If you have felt your Parrot's Beak in the past, repeat it now! Are there any areas that feel soft or thin? If yes, you need to proceed to your Avian Vet.


FYI: Great Photos!

I felt all over her beak when I took the pictures a few hours ago. No weak spots on either upper or lower mandible. I ran all over both mandibles with my fingers looking for cracks and didn't feel any. Along the edges where the beak is lighter in color are rougher than usual but don't feel week. The very tip of her upper mandible is not as sharp as it was but no damage I can see and she shows now discomfort and still enjoys her beak rubs. I am off work the next two days so I'll keep an eye on her for the next 48 hours. I cant see any change in her behavior and she is eating, climbing, and preening as usual so I am fairly certain she is in no discomfort. Thanks for the reply, if I will update tomorrow morning.

If you think of the wear that a parrots beak gets in the wild, it is unlikely that there is anything wrong in terms of excessive wear. Good you have checked as per Sailboat's recommendation for soft spots. Our birds need to be able to have a good go at toys, perches and in Plum's case the wall. He rubs his beak up and down the wall to give it a good trim and clean. Keep up with the toy supply as this is a very healthy activity in terms of mental stimulation and exercise. A still bird is not! Be pleased she wants to chew/play and do what you can to encourage it by supplying the right kinds of toys. Homemade or purchased makes no difference if safe and she likes them.

Beautiful grey and the beak looks perfect to me.

I took another look at her beak this morning, she looks good. As soon as she got on her tree stand she went back to work on her new chew toy. Thanks for the replies, I just wanted to make sure all was well. A great place when you are being silly worrying over nothing and people are still helpful.

MooshieBird said:

I took another look at her beak this morning, she looks good. As soon as she got on her tree stand she went back to work on her new chew toy. Thanks for the replies, I just wanted to make sure all was well. A great place when you are being silly worrying over nothing and people are still helpful.

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That is correct.

But, also because there is a very fine line between silly and serious when it comes to Parrots! I would rather deal with lots of 'possible' silly questions than the heart aching serious one! Being safe is always better with Parrots!

Enjoy, there is tons of stuff going-on. Take a look at some of the huge Threads that are a joy to read and be part of what is occurring!