Parrotlet beak

[Parrotlette]

My parrotlet's beak seems to be growing, despite his constant chewing of his favorite toy. On Saturday, I bought him a new toy that is also chewable (he seems to like it and chew on it) as well as a perch that is especially made to help keep his beak and nails trim. I have had him about 2 months, and only recently realized this problem. I'm not sure if it means his beak was growing the whole time, or if he just needed some more things to chew on. He seems to be eating ok. How long should I wait before taking him to a vet to have it trimmed?

[Rosekeet]

I would take him to the vet as soon as you can. Sometimes an overgrown beak can indicate some kind of nutrition or liver problem. The vet should be able to tell you if there's a problem.

Let us know how it goes!

[Bodie]

I agree on the vet visit for sure.

[Parrotlette]

Thanks for the advice! I looked up some stuff online and also called the bird specialty store I got him from. They told me that an overgrown beak could be a sign of a liver problem, but since he's so young, that is unlikely (he's 6 and a half months old). The owner of the store said that I should wait a little while, because his beak might not be too long, and that he gets a lot of bird owners coming in with their birds because they are concerned about the beak length, when really the bird is perfectly healthy. Captain has been eating, and chewing on his new toy, and I've seen him wiping his beak on his new perch, so I will wait a little bit, and monitor his beak. If it seems to be longer this weekend, I will take him to the bird store and ask if they think I should take him to a vet.

Will keep you posted, and thanks for your advice!

[Bodie]

Have you taken him to the vet when you first got him to do a well bird check up? Always a good idea that way they can catch something that perhaps is not showing signs yet. Birds are masters at hiding illness until sometimes it can be too late.

Good Luck with you new baby.