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Over the years, we have published several articles on the subject of Green Rump parrotlets' beak problems. It is widely acknowledged that this is a common problem in this particular species. I These problems include beaks that overgrow, thicken, become misshapen, cross or chip off. In other parrots this often indicates illness, especially liver problems or nutritional deficiencies. However, many of these incidents occur in otherwise healthy parrotlets that are on good diets. Another puzzling feature is that it does not seem to be passed from one generation to the next. Many parents with beak problems produce "normal" young. Conversely, young can develop problems, sometimes years later, from "normal" parents. Several years ago, Robert had an opportunity to study parrotlet skins and skeletons at the Smithsonian Museum. He saw many different specimens of each species. Most were collected in the field - some more than 100 years ago. Others submitted by zoos and private owners. Examination revealed beak abnormalities only in the birds kept in captivity. All the Green Rumps collected in the wild had normal beaks. Since many Green Rumps are healthy, well fed and do not always inherit the problem, we thought that it might be environmental. Perhaps they nested or foraged in a manner that required a quick-growing beak. Or, perhaps in spite of a generally nutritious diet, Green Rumps require certain trace vitamins or minerals which are lacking. We decided to contact Dr. Steven Beissinger, biologist who has spent years-studying Green Rumps in their native habitats. Dr. Beissinger reported that Green Rumps excavated rather shallow nests. He also stated that they ate soft clay. He felt neither activity would necessitate a fast-growing beak. However, he did acknowledge that rarely did the adults live past five years of age with a few exceptions that live to the ripe old age of 10. He suggested that possibly it is a genetic problem due to the limited gene pool of domestic birds. Very possible - Green Rumps were one of the first species of parrotlets to be stopped from importation, which has limited the gene pool and could produce these problems. If your Green Rump has problems with its beak, take heart. Usually, these problems can be managed quite easily. First, take the parrotlet to an avian veterinarian and have it examined to rule out illness. Ask your vet to show you how to trim the beak yourself. It is a simple procedure but you should be taught by a professional. It is possible to cut the beak to the point of bleeding. Next, make sure the bird is on a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Always provide cuttlebone and mineral block. Encourage chewing by providing soft pine perches instead of hard manzanita. Give lots of toys made of different materials and textures. One of the best is a specially made pine cone treat stuffed with seed. As the parrotlet tries to dig the seeds out, it keeps the beak worn down. It might not completely eliminate the need for trimming but many people have reported it cuts down on the frequency. Some people have found success with lava rocks and beak conditions as well. We have also added bee pollen (just a pinch every other day sprinkled on the fresh foods) and lory dry powder (free fed in its own dish) to our parrotlet's' diets have greatly diminished problems with their beaks. Both bee pollen and nectar are part of the wild-parrotlets' natural diet. They also contain proteins and amino acids not found in other foods. By providing these foods to our parrotlets, we may be replacing necessary nutrients the parrotlets are not receiving in their diet elsewhere. We may never find the cause of beak abnormalities in Green Rumps and Spectacles but we should remember that it is a problem that is easy to live with. Remember, just because a Green Rump parrotlet has a beak problem does not mean that it will not be a healthy, happy, long-lived parrotlet.
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