Owl finch slightly extended bottom beak

[steven7319]

Just noticed one of my owl finches has a slightly extended bottom beak. Just wondering if I need to be concerned about it. Will it be having difficulty feeding etc?

[Ricardo Ronsini]

It usually does not cause any problem to the bird, but sometimes the beak grows even bigger, and then it would be a issue.

You can trim the overgrown tip with a nail trimmer quite easily, just be careful to avoid any damage to the bird's beak or tongue.

[Sally]

Agree completely. If you are hesitant to trim it yourself, you can see if you can find an avian vet in your area to do it for you. Another option would be a bird pet shop that offers trims for parrots. They are usually knowledgeable enough to do it on a finch as well.

[lovezebs]

steven7319

Hi,

I used to have a Canary female with an upper beak that grew way out to a wild point.

I used to pick her up when it got out of hand, and trum it with a small pair of nail clippers, to keep it even with the bottom part of her beak.

Once after you do it one time, it becomes easy to do.

Good luck.

[steven7319]

Thanks for the advice all. It's only subtle at the moment but if it keeps growing I'll follow your advice.

[lovezebs]

steven7319

You're most welcome.

[wildbird]

I would put some lava rock in the cage, even on the floor. Birds Will wipe their beak on it or even pick at it and it may trim itself. Put the lava near some food or throw some seed on it. Petco sells some lava with a screw in one end to attach to the cage. If it is formed big enough, they will use it to perch on and trim beaks too.

[MariusStegmann]

steven7319 My grassfinch hen's lower mandible also started growing. I cut it away with nail-clippers, but will put one of those soft red clay brick in the aviary. Than also prevents anomalies like this.

[ac12]

I use a finger nail clipper to trim the beaks.
Some of mine have both upper and lower grow, so it crosses.

I used an unglazed clay tray/bowl, but that did not seem to do any good for the beaks or the claws, I still had to trim.
I tried the cuttlefish bone, but my birds just ignore it.

[MariusStegmann]

ac12 cuttlefish bone is a bit too soft for them to sharpen their beaks on I think.

[GouldianGuy]

MariusStegmann I am concerned about your blue hands.....

[MariusStegmann]

GouldianGuy Rather green hands. I have green polycarb roofsheets on that particular aviary and photos always come out with a green tinge. The other aviary has white roofsheets and is more darker.