Talo, rescued green cheek beak

[YUMgrinder]

Talo, a 6 year resident of the local animal shelter, needed a foster home when covid broke out and they had to close the shelter. They called me, apparently they remembered me coming in and talking to him thru the years (I also had adopted many birds from them in the past)

Turns out, he hated everyone that worked there. They wouldn't adopt him out because of his terrible attitude. I was even afraid of getting near his beak. Everyone at the shelter is a woman and once I took him home we got to know each other well and he's a huge sweetheart. He just doesn't like women!

The shelter was amused at this fact and told me I can keep him.

I have to trim his beak every few months. It gets really long. I have NO history other than he's at least 6 years old. I've attached a photo of his beak today. Should I be concerned? Doesn't fatty liver disease have this symptom? He seems otherwise very healthy. He's on a pellet diet but I can't be sure he was before I took him in.

 

[Laurasea]

That is heck o long beak!!!! But otherwise he looks great , he is keeping his feathers nice, eyes bright and clear.

Professional beak trim a must because of blood and nerves...

Well most creatures hate men, I’ve worked with a lot of animals that have a fear dislike of men. So it’s ok for the fairer sex to take some heat now and then . Congratulations! Could just be the honeymoon. GCC can be nippy but it doesn’t stop them from still being big sweethearts, just have to watch fir quick mood changes.

 

[SailBoat]

As my good friend suggested above, beak trimming can be problematic if not handled by someone with professional training, like an Avian Tech or an Avian Medical Professional (CAV). And yes, your Parrot needs a professional to really trim that beak.

At your Parrot's age, the 'rapid' growth could be a combination of fatty liver disease and another underlining problem. It would be appropriate for a detailed 'new' Parrot examination that includes detailed full spectrum blood testing. As a result of that testing, you will also have a better understanding of what minerals, vitamins, and chemicals your Parrot maybe either too high or not enough.

Very happy that your Parrot has a liking for you!

 

[noodles123]

Liver issues can cause beak growth like that. You MUST get him a blood test (asap). That is a lot of growth in a short period of time. That having been said, the earlier you catch it, the better ((it CAN be reversed if you don't wait too long).Noodles never had a beak that long, but she had a liver issue that was corrected.
DO NOT attempt at home, as the blood supply may have extended--- if you let a beak grow too long, cutting it back to a normal length can be very risky without proper tools/knowledge.

 

[YUMgrinder]

I don't know about all that. Trimming nails is much more sensitive, and none of my birds bleed with nail trims or beak trims. I've seen beaks broken accidently and needed to intervene to stop the bleeding so I understand it's not taken lightly. I've probably had to do his 3 times now since I got him 6 months ago. I'm a true believer trimming beaks and nails can be done at home in most circumstances. I doubt a vet would be able to tell if nerves moved further down or not the same as me. I bet I'd know before a vet. Either way, it needs trimmed.

I will get a blood screening on him. See if it's anything to worry about. Thanks!

 

[Shoegoo]

A beak trim 3 times in six months sounds out of the ordinary. I've had my GCC for 4+ yrs. and have never had the beak trimmed. My Avian Vet trims her nails but my bird is a compulsive chewer so the beak naturally wears down. From looking at the picture I think your bird would have trouble chewing. Curious to hear what your vet has to say.

 

[Scott]

Welcome back and congratulations, beautiful bird!

I'd absolutely endorse the lab tests for FLD and other causes. The good news is caught early, diet and perhaps the homeopathic use of liquid aloe (there is a specific type) can manage it well.