Amazon with a dry, flaky beak, what can I do?

Question

She was converted to Harrison's pellets in January/February and the vet said the beak would get better. So far it is still the same, do I just need to wait longer or should I buy some kind of supplement? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I know I am probably worrying a little too much, I just want to be the best parent to her.

Answer 1

it's normal shedding, without regular shedding their beaks would grow to long, natural oils as well as chew toys will help the process. The older the bird gets especially amazons the more evident the shedding becomes. If their beak is really extra dry the nails will be also, you'll know this if when you clip them they either do not break clean or feel brittle and/or crack when clipping, than you have a diet issue,and simply putting oil on their beaks and nails will not solve the issue but only mask the problem, the bird needs more healthy oils in it's diet, like the palm oil, wheat germ oil, but becarfull because you can definity overdose them on oil! Causing considerable health issue like oil deposits under the skin. Saw that with a canary once, not to be gross but, it had an oil pocket under it's skin which popped and oozed oil all over the place! Poor thing. So if using oil in the diet best to put it on a piece of toast or something absorbent.

Answer 2

i think another avian vet may be able to help....but....

you can call the vet you saw and give them an update. you may be suprised that they will help over the phone. sometimes it does take time to adjust. my newest bird went through what yours has right now. he was neglected and malnorished and half dead when he was given to us......it took him 3-4 months to get a nice beak but then again he is a little society finch. i wonder if it takes longer for a larger parrot to regain a healthy beak.

good veggies are dk green leaf lettuce, green beans....and all 5 of mine like granny smith apples ( SOUR!! )....one likes corn a lot. corn is high in sugar so he only gets a tiny bit every few months.......

might need mineral and vitiman suppliments because he is a very big bird and he needs a very complex diet to meet his needs.

it has been quite some time and the bird still has the problem. i would seek another avian vet. i do know they do need some fruit they are tropical and that is normal for them to eat. oranges, apples with seeds removed are great. fruit and veggies are highly encouraged by my avian vets, i have 2 in the same place! they both say it. the big boys i hear need the hard nuts in their diets, walnuts and almonds for example i always see them chomping on them in our bird supply store.

i wish i could refer you to my vets....but i doubt we are in the same state ( OR )

sometimes beaks do tend to get that flaky look when they are growing. however it should return to the smooth shiny beak. in your case that hasn't happened.....

i am sorry i can't offer much help i do hope you do seek another vet and get your sweet birdy all better.

Answer 3

A parrot with a flaky beak is a sign of not having enough nutrition in his diet try feeding him grapes, apples, and carrots. If the flakes don't recede then I would take him to the vet just in case there is something even worse then lack of nutrition. WARNING!!! It may look like your bird is fine, but birds only show signs of sickness when they are really sick!!! Hope I could help!! :)