Yesterday we took Lera and Harvey to the vet. Harvey needed a nail trim and Lera needed a beak trim. We also wanted the vet to take a look at Harvey’s beak. His lower beak is missing a little portion. I didn’t notice this when we brought him home – his feathers cover it up and he has have his beak open to see it.
The vet has two office cats, Harry and Lloyd. Lloyd was fascinated by the budgies. Eesh.
After an attempt to get up close and personal, he wandered off.
But not too far. Good try Lloyd, but we still see you.
Here are the budgies waiting for the vet. Harvey was very sweet to Lera – sticking close by her side and grooming her. 
Harvey went first. The vet gave him an exam and filed down the little sharp point on the edge of his lower beak. It may or may not grow back – but we’ll keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t grow back strangely (jagged or in towards his mouth). After his nail trim, it was Lera’s turn.
We’re not sure what caused Lera’s beak to grow. We think it may have been from trauma. She might have bonked it – she did have some discoloration on it a little while back. But we wanted to rule out liver disease or anything else that might be going on. Her beak was clipped and filed and she was ready to go.
Before (it actually got a little longer than in this photo):
After:
Harvey after his pedicure:
The budgies were pretty calm throughout all the budgiehandling. I think it helped that they had each other for support. When we got home they both preened their ruffled feathers and took long naps. And of course, they had some millet as a reward for being such brave little budgies : ).
I am glad that you take the fids to the vet. It’s very important that people realize little budgies also need vet care. Both of my second hand budgies have beaks that overgrow. Fortunately the local bird lady comes every month and a half to trim their beaks. It is easier on them than taking them in the car.
Right!
This is my first experience with an overgrown beak. I’m hoping it was a one time thing. That’s great that you have someone to do housecalls : ). I’d never be able to trim a beak myself. I’d be too scared I would accidentally clip too far. It’s the same thing with the budgies’ toenails.
And hooray for secondhand budgies!
cats are all Spawns Of Satan….but the budgies did great! My mother did some nail cutting on one of the birds we had, until the one time she cut it too far back and it bled. After that, the vet took care of that for us!
HUGS…