How to Treat Broken and Cracked Bird Beaks

Bird injuries are very difficult to treat, especially when they occur on the beaks. Broken and cracked bird beaks can be a very devastating injury and are often extremely difficult to treat. In some cases, beak injuries are less severe than others and can easily be treated at home. However, other beak injuries can result in life threatening complications and require very special attention.

Important Beak Facts

Bird beaks have a large blood supply. Any injury to a beak is likely to cause significant bleeding. It's important to stop the bleeding if it's excessive and go to a local avian treatment center immediately. Bird beaks are very similar to teeth. When a beak breaks, it's likely to cause the bird pain. It's even possible there is bone and nerve damage if the break is severe.

Cracked beaks can not be put back together. However, they will grow out in time. Unfortunately, beaks that have completely broken off and fractured beaks won't grow back. But, they are able to be repaired if treatment is sought within 24 hours.

Treating Broken Beaks

Treatment for bird injuries of this nature are determined by the severity of the injury. If the break is very mild, doesn't cause excessive bleeding, and the bird isn't bothered by the break, it's best to leave the injury alone. It will heal on its own. To assist the healing, make sure your bird has a cuttlebone.

If the break or crack is more severe, an avian veterinarian may choose to glue or bandage the broken beak. Never use superglue on a bird. This is toxic and not a recommended fix. It can be deadly for your bird.

In very severe cases, it's very possible a bird may bleed to death. Severe infection is also possible with extreme broken beaks. It can also make eating very difficult for the bird, increasing the risk of starvation. This means treatment by a professional needs to be sought immediately.

For mild and severely broken beaks a special diet may be needed, as well as pain medications. In severe cases of broken beaks, mashed fruits and vegetables are best to feed your bird. It's often recommended to use mashed corn, bananas, and sweet potatoes. Organic baby food's another option to feed birds with severely damaged beaks.

The Outlook

Even with prompt care, the outlook for a bird with a severely broken beak is not always positive. Many times a bird will be left with a disfigured beak. And in some cases, that bird will need feeding assistance for its remaining lifespan.

References:

"Broken/Cracked Beaks" avianweb.com

"Broken Beak" birds-online.de

"Bird Beak Care" birdchannel.com