Please Help!

[lanakhan]

My caique is about a 1 1/2 old. Yesterday I was clipping his nails and clipped a little of his beak as well( I know I’m stupid) There was very tiny blood but I think I really hurt him because he kept on shacking his head and would only drink water. Today he woke up and he’s just not himself. He’s not his usual active self, he’s scared to come to me, and he tried eating but kept on shacking his head. I don’t know what to do.

 

[itzjbean]

How much did you clip off his beak? Is there a visible straight line across to where the beak end should be?

They don't normally need beak trims, though some birds do -- they are usually done with a Dremel (tool that shaves it off gently) instead of clipping off the end harshly with a nail clipper. You likely clipped the nerve/like quick on nails that makes it bleed, you probably got him a bit too short.

When was his last avian vet / normal vet appt, if he's not acting himself a vet visit to ensure the damage isn't severe is ideal. He could be in a lot of pain, and you need to make sure he is as comfortable now as possible. He could be given some pain meds if it seems to be causing him pain, but only a vet will be able to determine if he needs more help.

 

[lanakhan]

I don’t think he has any pain because he’s still cleaning himself, he’s still grooming his nails, he’s still grabbing on things in his cage normal. I think it just psychologically stressed him. I’ll wait today and tomorrow cause I gave him some puree and he ate it with appetite. So his appetite his good. Just not as playful. I’ll just wait and see if he doesn’t get back to normal I’ll see if I can find a good avian in the area cause I had a really bad experience with the one I know.

 

[wrench13]

So no more beak trimming. Beaks especially the tips have nerve bundles in them, which allows parrots to be so nimble and delicate with them. Unless there's a split or other medical issue trimming should not be needed, if adequate chew toys are being provided. Hope your little guy feels better.

 

[noodles123]

If you messed up the shape...you may need to have it fixed to prevent it from growing the wrong way...eek (not right away, but when it gets longer and only with a certified avian vet-- if they were to recommend it)...do you have an avian vet who you could ask this question?

BTW- vets always file beaks, btw...it's not a true "clip"...most birds shouldn't need to have it done unless they have a medical issue or lack sufficient things to chew,

Mine gets hers done often because he jaw is misaligned so it wears improperly on one side.

You are going to have to work hard to rebuild that trust after you ensure that he is medically stable. It will happen, but you scared/hurt him, so it will take time.

 

[lanakhan]

I know that was extremely stupid of me. However, good update. My boy is completely back to normal. Acting like himself, eating well, biting lol. Seems like he’s not mad at me either. But definitely lesson learned. Thank you all for your help.