How to Cut a Cockatiels Beak

Cockatiels are friendly birds belonging to the cockatoo family. They can be identified by a small erectile crest and a long tail. Beak health is essential to the well-being of your cockatiel. While the beak grows throughout its life, the length is contained through natural wear and tear while preening, feeding and playing. Yet sometimes your cockatiel's beak may overgrow due to underlying health conditions. Do not attempt to cut or trim your cockatiel's beak. Instead, consult your vet and encourage your bird to self-trim by providing a variety of natural trimming aids.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toys: tree branches, wooden blocks or natural coconut shell pieces
  • Conditioning perches: pumice, mineral or cement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your cockatiel to an avian veterinarian if it has an overgrown beak. The vet will ascertain the cause of the overgrowth, which may be caused by mites, fungus or nutritional deficiencies. He will treat your cockatiel for the specific beak condition, and cut and trim its beak.

    • 2

      Offer your cockatiel chew toys to encourage self-trimming. Give it toys prepared from soft wood such as tree branches, wooden blocks or natural coconut shell pieces. Your cockatiel can then play, chew and rub its beak against the surface.

    • 3

      Install a conditioning perch for your cockatiel to rub its beak against and naturally trim it. You can choose from different perch textures such as pumice, mineral or cement.

    • 4

      Encourage your cockatiel to exercise and self-trim its beak by hiding food treats in wooden toys. Your cockatiel will have to chew the wood in order to reach the food treat.