Cockatiel Beak Care

Question
My cockatiel's beak was cut too short and we finally stopped bleeding via "Four Paws VBS antiseptic Quick Blood Stopper".  My questions are the following:
1. My dad has had to trim my cockatiel's beak 4 times in a 6 month period with each trimming being at least 1/4 inch (this is the first time he has cut it too short).  Her upper beak is growing down and inward (hooklike)...my dad said that he has not seen her use neither the cuttlebone nor the mineral block.  I had to move from Texas to Maryland last winter and I was afraid that she could not adapt to the climate, so I left her with parents.  My parents have a cockatiel and they interact just fine.  What could cause her upper beak to grow so fast.  I did not have this problem with her before, so I am wondering if it could be emotional as well as physiological in nature.  

2. Which method is most effective and safest to treat this type of emergency? What should I do after the bleeding stops to treat her?  Does the blood loss cause electrolyte depletion, etc....and how should I treat her?  I lived in East Texas for several years  and unsuccessfully tried to find an avian vet.   How do I find a vet qualified to treat cockatiels?  

I would appreciate any information that you could supply.  Or any links or sites, etc....that are cockatiel specific.  I know it is always best to take the bird to a qualified vet, but I have had no luck in East Texas.  The 3 times I took a bird to vet in this area, they seemed to be lacking in knowledge and the all 3 birds died.  I have successfylly hand-raised over 50 cockatiels, who are healthy, thriving, and adored by their new families, so I am not ignorant on the subject of "avian care"....but I have read so many articles that contradict each other that it is hard to distinguish  who speaks from "true" experience that the individual has applied and has followed up on the results or who is regurgitating "book knowledge".  I am willing to learn because I love the birds and I want to be more knowledgeable in all areas of cockatiel health so I can provide these special birds with with all of the best that life has to offer.  I realize that I have a lot to learn and I would appreciate any help or suggestions that you offer.  

Thank you for your time!

Have a great holiday season!

Sincerely,
Teresa

Answer
Hi Teresa,
I apologize for the length of time it's taken to answer your question, but that was due to the holiday season. Happy holidays to you, too. Most parrots require little or no beak maintainance, Teresa. If your 'tiel's beak is overgrown at that rate, you may want to have him checked out by an avian vet. I'm sure there are one or two you can find, and/or trust. I have never experienced this problem with any of my 'tiels. So, I can't tell you why it's happening, only that it shouldn't be happening. It could be as simple as not being provided with the RIGHT chew things. A cuttlebone really isn't the best to keep your 'tiels beak in proper condition. I have had great luck with lava stones. You could offer soft wood sticks, I've seen them availabe in pet stores. Crafting sticks, flavored in fruit juice are a favorite of mine, too. Colorful wood block toys. The over growth could be due to the fact that she does't like cuttlebone, or it just plain don't intrigue her. Maybe something colorful would. That's on the simple side of it. Another reason for overgrowth, that fast, could be due to some sort of medical problem. That I'm unsure of, for again, I'm not an avian vet, and that would only be able to be determined by testing. Grooming a bird's beak really is best left to a professional. How does he trim it, with a dremel? Quick Stop is really your best bet for bleeding. Keep in mind the size of your bird, in relation to the amount of blood loss. A little loss is huge in a bird that small. I don't believe that an overgrown beak could be due to emotional stress, except if she was a 'good chewer' and then gave up doing it. She may have been depressed. A change in behaviours. But, according to you, she doesn't like what's being offered her to chew. I would try a lava stone, some fruit flavored soft wood chews, etc. And see if that helps. I do think it's just a matter of her not chewing.

As far as what you can do once the bleeding stops, is just keep an eye out for what would be infection to that area. If treated by a vet, you would probably be given some sort of anti-biotic, to prevent infection.

As far as looking for an avian vet in your area, try looking into local bird clubs in your area. I'm sure that there would be many recommendations by breeders. Try a simple online search for avian vets in your area. There are so many sites available on the subject of cockatiels. Put the word 'cockatiels' in your search engine, and you'll be sifting through tons of info. Most are very helpful. There are a lot of devoted cockatiel lovers out there who's first and foremost priority is to share info with other owners. We are a devoted and very cool group of people, if I do say so myself. *smiles*

Try the suggestions I gave on the beak problem, and if it doesn't seem to work, I'd then try to seek medical attention.

Good luck, Teresa, I can see how much you care. And with caring like that, she can't go wrong. She's lucky to have you.
Linnie :)