Beak Abnormality
Beak abnormalities can be assessed using either the catch and release or transect method.
Basic Assessment: Occurrence
No abnormality
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Abnormality present
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Beaks can have either naturally occurring or human-induced abnormalities. Natural abnormalities include crossed beaks, chips, over-growth, and breaks. Human-induced abnormalities generally refer to beak-trim and related re-growth issues. These can include an uneven upper and lower beak (similar to an under- or over-bite), chipped beaks, or severely shortened beaks. Whether trimmed or not, the upper and lower beak should line up, with trimmed birds having only the most distal hook part of the beak removed. Any more than this should be scored as an abnormality. Beak abnormalities can lead to difficulty in eating and drinking.