mineral oil on beak ok to condition it?

[natv]

I believe I read somewhere about putting mineral oil on a bird's beak to help condition it.

Just wanted to make sure this is in face alright to do, and any guidelines on how often. I just lightly rub some on with my finger. He kind of likes it too when I rub it on because of that silky feeling.

 

[weco]

I've never heard of using any oils or moisturizers on a bird's beak ! ! !

Beak flaking is a natural occurrence.....

Mineral oil is a petrolatum product and even though it has been used as a laxative for years, we are counseled not to offer petroleum products to our birds.....

As to using it for human constipation relief, the medical community has been shying away from that recommendation.....

I doubt that our feathered friends cousins have been flying to their local spa for a weekly beak oiling, however, with the lengths some people go to, slathering themselves with emollients, I guess it is possible that word could have passed, via jungle talk, through the wild avian community that all these goos, salves and gunks are better than their natural preening oils.....

 

[natv]

ok thanks! He chipped the bottom of his beak a few weeks ago when he jumped down to the floor, I took him to the Vet and she sanded it down a bit and applied "beak conditioner".

So I was looking to see if there was some kind of conditioner I can continue to use especially where the chip is.

 

[SandyBee]

It is probably not needed, but if you want to I would not use mineral oil.I would use coconut oil as it is edible and can be a part of a bird's diet. I try not to useAny products with mineral oil even on myself.

 

[natv]

Thanks! Coconut oil is a great idea.

 

[HalfInsane]

I don't necessarily think beak conditioning is a bad idea; our homes tend to be very dry compared to the humid climates many species of parrots are adapted to. I think with this in mind it is safe to say a parrot kept in captivity will exhibit more beak flaking than would their wild counterparts and adding a little bit of coconut oil to alleviate this certainly can't hurt.