Cockatiel needs a new beak

[Cedardave]

well...this is a new one to me.So the storey is someone contacted us looking for help.It seems another bird of hers attacked this cockatiel and chewed the entire beak off.I know right?So the first piece of advise is emergency vet immediately.Well,this person doesn't have the means..which is why they have come to us for help.So a false beak is the only option...but most stores don't have them on the shelf.I had said I would help if I can and am waiting for a call from our avian vet to do some brainstorming.What I was thinking was to attach sculpted gel nails(like fingernail extensions) to this bird.While I am skilled at beak trims..not very well versed in building one.My biggest concern is how to attach it.Some sources have suggested superglue gel..which even the site agreed has toxic fumes.Im hopeing the vet has a medical adhesive of some sort.Euthinasia is also an option...but this is an otherwise healthy bird.And because of the owners financial abilities..it may be done by her or end up starving until it passes.Those two options don't sit right with me,which is why I am trying to find a way to build a beak.Primarily looking at ideas on adhesives..but open to all your thoughts.Please lets avoid the if you don't have the means you shouldn't have the bird...thats a different discussion.Again I want to point out we are trying to help someone elses bird....

[The Pinkertons]

I know that beaks have been sculpted with acrylic dental Powder polymer and primer on a Gala , Also turtles shells that have been damaged have been successfully Repaired with a type of adhesive that works well in severe damage. If the birds beak was completely torn off that's quite an extensive surgical procedure requiring the skill of a competent surgeon. Hope you can help the poor thing. Here's some links:

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[PlaxMacaws]

Dave: This is so tragic. I in fact saw a little cockatiel on FB the other day who had its lower beak ripped off by a caique. The owner is a young girl and her parents are somewhat apathatic so the girl is reaching out on FB to help her bird. At least that's what I took from the post.

And have you seen this...

4126

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I would definitely be concerned about the fumes from various glues and epoxies. And I think the adhesion issue and all related questions will be best addressed by your avian vet. Also, I would think that this bird will require anesthetization for such a major procedure (or for multiple major procedures). I thus suspect that assistance from a vet who is skilled in the construction of such an avian prosthetic device will be essential.

Please keep us posted on this!

[Cedardave]

heres the update.L spoke to our avian vet..having also emailed her a picture of the issue.She was beyond advise as to repair.Spoke to specialist in Saskatoon and Minneapolis..also....yikes.The bottom line is the damage to this bird is severe.We are breeders and have tons of knowledge....but as much as I try to help as often as I can..and typically at no or next to no charge..I am not a vet.When a vet and veterinary specialist are at a loss...Its a line I ethically won't cross.To build a frankenbird isn't my thing...to risk causing death because of pain or fumes from the glue is something I just couldn't and won't do.This poor little bird has no nares left...major damage even above the beak...like a piece of forhead got chewed.So the advise I was given and have passed on to the birds owner is that often they can adapt with syringe feeding as well as soft foods.Euthenasia is the other option.I won't post the pictures at all as they are disturbing.This is another tragic reminder to those who have a community room where different species of bird live...they shouldn't ever be allowed to have unsupervised out of cage time.

[The Pinkertons]

Thanks Dave for the update, Not to mention even if the vets were to reconstruct it's beak , The cost of such a procedure could potentially rule it out as an option. If they try to rehabilitate with palliative care, the vets should prescribe some anti-microbes to prevent infection.

[Mare]

Oh, my God,,this is so tragic. The poor thing :(

Even with a prosthetic, do beaks grow back?

[Cedardave]

they would sometimes grow back if there were any beak left.Much like if you have a fingernail that gets badly damaged, it will eventually grow out.In this case there is damage beyond where a beak used to be...the equivilant of pulling out a fingernail.If theres nothing for it to grow from...it will not grow as it no longer has any of the cells left to make it grow....very sad.A prostetic beak would have helped if there were still the moving parts of the former beak....those are also no longer there.

[wingman]

Wow only thing i can think of is some type of a molded hard acrylic with some type of a strap or velcro type material nasa might use that really holds in place?????????

[Cedardave]

Yes...this goes beyond my creative abilities.The strap idea had occured to me...but how do you make it move to be effective.Fashion before function here is pointless.We can only do our best...that is where Im at.

[PlaxMacaws]

Very sadly, I too am at a loss for ideas. The upper and lower beak elements would require substantial and dependable anchoring to serve their intended functions. From what you've described I can't think of how that might be achieved :'(

[Mare]

The poor baby needs to be put down :(. Even with every contraption..it's not a good life.

[Cedardave]

that was more or less my suggestion.Ive gone as far as I can to help.The decision lies with her owner.I can only hope she does what is right for her girl.I have never seen damage like I saw on an animal that was able to survive.I think when the vets and specialists agree that putting her to sleep is the best humain option you do have to take note.I have been in very frequent contact with this person and have asked to be updated on her choice...I hate to sway her in that direction..but you have to look at the difficult and painful future and do whats right.Will let you know when I know

[The Pinkertons]

Mare is right, what kind of quality life is that. I'm surprised the poor creature is still alive.

[mdg1109]

Oh wow Dave what a tragic and sad story. I applaud you for helping the bird and the owner. I unfortunately do not have any suggestions because I am so new to birds but good luck with everything that you try and I hope the cockatiel is able to recuperate. :big_hug:

[Lady]

Oh this is so very sad. I'm so sorry for the little bird.

[Macaw Lover]

Modern medicine can do a heck of a lot these days but there are limits and if there is nothing left to really attach it to........

I can only imagine the pain that little one went through and is still in.

[94lt1]

I hate to be the nay sayer but I will... this is why you have to really watch birds of different sizes...a big bird can barely touch a smaller bird with devastating consequences..sorry for this poor little tiel and sorry for the trauma it must be causing the family..

[Cedardave]

Please remember.....this was someone that came to us for help.
That being said...the little bird mercifully passed in her owners hands while being fed earlier today.Beyond the fact that this was eventually the expected outcome.While sad ...I believe in the end this serves as a reminder that you just cant have your birds safely intermingle.Bigger birds always win.All it takes is a second.So if I could please ask everyone here with multiple birds..and multiple pets that include a bird to please not let the preventable death of this little cockateil go un noticed.Always protect the ones you love....or even just like a little.

[PlaxMacaws]

Please remember.....this was someone that came to us for help.
That being said...the little bird mercifully passed in her owners hands while being fed earlier today.Beyond the fact that this was eventually the expected outcome.While sad ...I believe in the end this serves as a reminder that you just cant have your birds safely intermingle.Bigger birds always win.All it takes is a second.So if I could please ask everyone here with multiple birds..and multiple pets that include a bird to please not let the preventable death of this little cockateil go un noticed.Always protect the ones you love....or even just like a little.That's terribly sad news, Dave :'(. Unfortunately, I think that given the severity of the damage, this outcome was inevitable. The suffering that this poor little bird must have endured is purely unfathomable! It's such an immeasurably tragic thing :'(

Your warning is extremely important! Hopefully it will be heeded by as many folks with pet birds as possible.

I'm so very sorry :(