Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Folks

I'm back here earlier than I expected. I was feeding Jake a monkey nut last night and I noticed his upper mandible is split about half way up. The split doesnt go to the top of the beak, and it doesnt seem to hurt him, but i think i goes all the way through....

I think it must have happened while he was with his previous owners, like I said previously, his feathers are in a poor state too.

It doesnt seem to be hurting him, but i dont know enough about them! Obviously he will need to see a vet, I am assuming? I have found one who specialises in parrots, but he isnt available until next week. DO they just glue iot together and wait fot it to grow out?

Shall I just feed him soft foods for a while until he sees the vet? I'm worried because he uses it for climbing quite a lot and i dont want the split to get worse.

any advice appreciated!!

Blanx

I would get him into the vet as soon as possible. How they treat it will depend on how bad the crack/break is. Depending on how far out it grows they may want to clip the beak back as far as possible without actually causing more damage and then use a glue like substance to help hold it firm. Other times they use almost like a plaster cast type covering that helps make the beak stronger, allows them to still use it and eat normally. It will depend on the vet and the break.

As far as caring for your bird until the vet appointment. No more nuts or anything that is very hard until the vet tells you how to treat. If she/he will eat softer foods switch to them.