beak

beak,

1 any pointed anatomic structure, such as the beak of the sphenoid bone.

2 a pair of dental pincers used in shaping prostheses.

3 a radiographic image of a bony protuberance adjacent to a degenerative intervertebral disk.

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beak

the hard keratinization (or rhamphotheca) which provides the horny covering of the beak bones, plus the beak bones, of birds. The dorsal ridge of the upper beak is the culmen, the similar keel of the lower beak is the gonys. The cutting edges of the beak are the tomia. Called also bill.

Different shape of beak between species. By permission from Aspinall V, O'Reilly M, Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, Butterworth Heinemann, 2004

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beak avulsion

traumatic separation of the upper and lower beak at the base requires hand feeding for survival of the bird. Some attempts at devising an artificial beak have been made, but attachment is a major problem.

beak fracture

occurs with trauma and requires immobilization, often with innovative procedures (see acrylic glue), without restricting food intake by the bird during recovery. Severe trauma may result in avulsion of upper or lower beak.

beak necrosis

a condition of chickens and turkeys caused by excessively fine mashed feeds.

beak overgrowth

can result from malocclusion, liver disease, lack of wear, aging, nutritional deficiency, and most commonly infestation by the mite, Cnemidocoptes pilae.

psittacine beak and feather disease

see psittacine beak and feather disease.

beak sign

the radiographic feature of contrast material extending through an elongated, concentrically narrowed pylorus indicative of hypertrophy of the sphincter.

beak trimming

in most modern poultry houses the chances of cannibalism developing are so high that beak trimming is almost a necessity, especially if the birds are to be reared in full light. Light-restricted accommodation greatly reduces the prevalence of this vice. A temporary trim is done at a few days of age but a permanent trim is necessary later. Special instruments, utilizing a hot, cutting blade cautery, are used and the operation must be done by an expert or badly deformed beaks result and the birds are unable to feed properly. Alternatives to trimming include the fitting of spectacles or pick guards but these are expensive, time-consuming to put on and not feasible for birds in cages.