Beak amputation

Maybe one of you guys can help us out. My very jealous, and possessive yellow nape grabbed my green-cheek conure with whom they've lived for 10 yrs. and bit off her upper beak.

Augie, my beakless wonder, is doing fantastic and has learned to compensate by "scooping" and I've learned to help her compen-sate.

? Does anyone know a vet who can make Augie an upper-beak prosthesis. I know it's been done, but can't find out who has done this.

Thanks guys,
La Papillon

[dlaura]

Oh - how horrible. It is great that Augie is getting along without the beak and you are helping her compensate. We also have a green cheek conure and they are great. This same thing happened at the pet store I use - and the bird who lost it's beak did not survive. Pet store owner said that bird that loses it's beak usually does not surive - so I commend you for helping Augie.

Have you discussed this with your local zoo? if it is small, perhaps they could tell you whp tp speak to at another zoo. I have found the 'bird people' at the zoo near me are very excited to share information.
Ours is just a small regional zoo, but they have a great 'bird house'. Everyone is very good. Plus they have dealt with almost every problem that could crop up. They know all the local vets and even some in our closest major metro areas. So that is where i would start.
Also 'google' for parrot beak prosthesis too and see what comes up. Good Luck.
I fear something like that happening. I too have mixed species, and i have a VERY STRICT NO ROAMING policy. Certain birds are allowed on the community 'gyms and toys' togeeether if they are abot the same in 'beak power.
All the Big boys get locked up in the afternoon till early evening so the little guys can come out and fly around. My little Severe Macaw doesn't get cmmunity playtime. he plays on the pieces alone as he has the most powerful beak.
except for the afternoon, all of mybig birds cages are open and they have additional toys and swings above there cages so they can also play there too. Good luck in you quest, let us know ok.

[pionuspasion]

There is a vet that specializes in less than ordinary avian procedures, and has an excellent reputation. I don't know where you live in NJ, but his name is Dr. Micheal Doolen, and his office is in Oakhurst. He only treats birds and herps. He's a member of the AAV. I've never heard a bad word about him, except that he can be a little pricey. But, in your case I would definetley give his office a call. His staff has always been more than courteous to me.

1-732-531-1212
225 Monmouth Rd. Oakhurst, NJ.

Are you making any progress in your quest for a prosthetic beak for your friend?

[Mrs.Birdy]

How sad for your bird to be missing his beak. How lucky he is to have you to help him overcome his handicap and remain healthy.

Let us know if you contact the Dr. recommended by Pionuspassion or any other doctor specializing in prosthetics.

Good luck LaPapillion.

Don't forget to update us on this situation.

I'll be making the contacts recommended here next week. I had a couple of other options that didn't pan out. I also got advise not to do anything because Augie is doing so well. She really doesn't know she's missing anything but I'm sure she'd like to crack her seeds instead of mash and eat the fruit the way she likes to eat it instead of the birdie bread I bake for her. And I help her preen her feathers and I'm sure she'd rather do it her-self. She's a great little bird.
Thanks for all your help and I'll let you know how I make out.
Papillon