Scotty and his Castle

[Azure Hanyo]

I'm pretty sure 3 is correct, because the person who gave us that number was really focused on him. I'm trying to see if they can dig up some paperwork -- here's where a band would be useful -- with a band the breeder would have records. I don't suppose it really matters.

So, is his beak typical of a mature male? We are wondering if the tip should be groomed a bit, or if it should be left to its own devices.

And Michael, believe it or not, I agree with you about the appearance. We will probably keep him clipped, but evolve to a "show clip" like Scooter's where the outer two primaries are left intact and a couple extra further in are trimmed.

That beak does look like it needs trimmed. And...Galileo's wings looked so bad when I first got her. I wish I had photos.

[pchela]

The female I saw recently at the breeders who was a bit over 2 years old had that same beak with the long end. The breeder said it was normal when I asked about it. Still, I'd give him lots of wood and stuff to chew on.

[Michael]

DO NOT trim the beak without extensive further research. I am still trying to figure it out myself if it's ok or not, but at this point I am holding back because I am uncertain. Maria from purringparrot told me that she discovered that they have nerve endings till the very tip and that trimming it is extremely painful for them. Jean Pattison told me that people think their beak is overgrown but that's just the way a Cape beak is supposed to be. So at this moment I am uncertain if it can or should be trimmed at all and am playing it safe and not trimming it at all unless I get solid evidence that it can/should be.

[pchela]

I concur with Michael.

No bird should ever require a beak trim if they are provided with plenty of chewing opportunities. The only cases would be birds with beak deformities such as scissor beak or beaks that overgrow unnaturally.

[Michael]

Kili gets her beak trimmed as regularly as her talons. I don't think it's necessarily out of the question but important to be familiar with the specifics of the species and individual parrot. Kili just isn't a big chewer and her beak grows quicker than she wears it down. However, I hear it's different with Cape Parrots and their beak is supposed to be really long (what would be over grown on many other species).

[Azure Hanyo]

Ooookay I didn't mean for her to do it herself, I meant a vet. Sorry.

[Michael]

What I am saying is don't even let a vet do it until you have consulted Cape Parrot experts. My vet for instance did not know that Cape Parrots are more prone to bleeding after an injection. There is no way I would take the vet's advice to trim his beak. Unless a Cape Parrot breeder tells me that he needs his beak trimmed, I'm not letting anyone talk me into it. Capes are just different about the beak length than other parrots.

Entranced, if you are strongly concerned (and I don't think you need to be from typical Cape photos I've seen), I can email your picture to Jean Pattison and ask her if that Cape needs to have his beak trimmed. Or you can email Eb Cravens since it is his bird and ask him about it and what general advice he might provide you. I can PM you their contact information if you're interested.

[Kim S]

OK, lets get back to drooling over pictures.

That bird is absolutely georgeous!! I never knew about capes till Michael showed up with one, but I must say: I love them!
Does Scotty have such radiant colours in comparison to Truman or is that the use of flash while taking pictures?

[Rue]

He's gorgeous!

I'm not a fan of regular beak trims either...but in this case I think he needs the sharp end trimmed off...which is odd if he's essentially from a breeder...they should have looked after it better.

But, you can give him stuff to chew up first...that might do the trick...but I'm thinking he'll need it brought up a little...

[Azure Hanyo]

Note to self: never mention pellets/seeds, beak trimming, or clipping/unclipped unless you wish to start a debate...



lol I think Scotty is adorable.