A Maryland-based animal trainer using positive non-force training methods.We specialize in canine and avian species.
04/14/2025
Did you want to see my trimmed beak?
Most birds never need a beak trim in their lives! I get a lot of questions from clients about the length of their birds beaks, how sharp they are, and when they need to be trimmed.
Sharp beaks do not mean they need to be filed! Parrots beaks are supposed to be sharp! That means they are doing a good job filing them down on their own with their enrichment.
Upper mandibles curl on hookbills. Most parrot species we keep in our care are known as hookbill parrots because of the shape of their beak. They are supposed to come and curl down. Some species more than others, like the hyacinth macaw.
Lower mandibles need to be trimmed as needed. Some species have unique shapes and adaptations to help them! Most cockatoo species have a slight V shape for their lower mandible, like Moluccans and umbrellas! The palm cockatoo’s beak shape is meant to never shut fully like other species. Most species should be able to close their beak naturally.
So, why am I trimming beaks? Munchkin has both upper and lower mandible deformities. His upper doesn’t grow but his lower does. I keep it at a specific length in order to help him eat and climb easier! I used to trim Rukkas’s beak when she was with me because she has scissor beak (where the upper mandible goes one way and the lower goes another). I had a moluccan named Candy who has an underbite, and she got both upper and lower mandible trims. JoJo sometimes gets trimmed because his beak can bet a bit long. He doesn’t like hard woods 😅
Your bird should be able to maintain it themselves with the proper resources. I rarely ever trims nails or beaks for Ringo and Noel because they maintain their perfectly!
