How to trim a hooked beak?

[babsh]

I have a silkie with a hooked beak. She is doing OK (she's 12 weeks old), but I think that she isn't getting quite enough food (she acts extremely hungry when i bring her a dish of food at night) and i need to do something. I was going to pick up a dog nail clipper today. I've also heard there are electric nail files (Pedi Paws or something like that?) that I might try.

Any advice on the best way to do this? SHe doesn't like to be held, so i am assuming we will wrap her in a towel. But how do i know how far I can go without hurting her? And what if I do trim too far?

Barb

 

[babsh]

Anyone done this before?

 

[threehorses]

If you pay careful attention to the end of the beak, you can see the clear section and a more solid section - just as you do with a cat's nail or dog's nail. You can trim one side at a time back with fingernail clippers (since they're small andusually people are well-accustomed to handling them) back just in the clear section.

If she has an excess growth of top beak, I'd also evaluate your feed and make sure it's fresh when you buy it and is used within a month. Sometimes overgrowth of beaks isn't mechanical (a lack of wear) but a sign of vitamin A deficiency or a need of that individual bird for more natural vitamin A sources.

 

[babsh]

Thanks. I am pretty sure it isn't a deficiency as i have 11 birds and she is the only one with this issue. Her top beak goes out like it should, but then sharply hooks down. She looks like Gonzo the Muppet. I am hoping clipping the hooked part off will help her eat better.

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
I have one like that who hasn't had a chance to grind her beak down on the rocky areas of ground we have. I'm about to trim hers, too, so I know exactly what you mean.