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Birds--General/scissor beak
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Question
My keet is developing a scissor beak, what should I do, trim it or file it?
Hi, Liz123. Thanks for posting!
Are you sure your keet is developing scissor beak or could it have scaly face mites that are affecting the beak?
You need to take your keet to an avian veterinarian ASAP in order to find out what is causing the scissor beak and for correction of the problem. Not a cat/dog vet, but a certified avian veterinarian (exotic animal vet...one that treats snakes, reptiles, iguanas, and other wild animals).
Scissor beak is usually caused by the upper maxilla and lower mandible not joining/meeting together properly. An avian vet needs to determine why this is happening and correct the basic problem or your keet will continue to develop this problem all it's life. You should not attempt to correct this problem yourself, as if you do something wrong, your keet might never be able to eat or drink again and you could actually cause more harm than good. If your keet will continue having this problem, the bird vet can show you how to correct the problem yourself.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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