Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/parrot-gets-prosthetic-beak/
Birds need their beaks in order to survive. Essentially, a bird’s beak functions the same way that a human’s hands do. Birds use their beaks for everything from eating, to moving things around, grooming, climbing objects, and defending themselves.
When a bird loses its ability to use its beak or if its beak becomes damaged, it can easily spell doom for the animal.
That’s the fate one parrot almost faced when its beak was broken. The initial outlook was not positive. It faced a grim future unless something was done to help it.
However, thanks to the help of a Brazil non-governmental organization called Renascer ACN, this injured bird got a second chance at life with the help of a prosthetic beak. And things are looking up.
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The parrot, who has brilliant green plumage, was first discovered to be in horrible condition. Most of its beak had broken off. It was transported to safety, and Renascer ACN worked closely with veterinarian Maria Ângela Panelli Marchió to find a solution.
The vet happens to be a specialist in animal orthopedics. And that is when she got the idea to create a prosthetic beak using plastic resin.
The specially handmade prosthesis was attached to the stump of the bird’s beak using a polymethylmethacrylate material that would give it a more natural shape and feel.
Once fitted to the bird’s beak, it was fused using metal. The polymethylmethacrylate is an extremely durable substance that could withstand a “chainsaw,” so the prosthetic beak is bound to last forever.
Thanks to the new beak, the parrot is able to lead a somewhat normal life – although it will never be able to return to the wild. Given that birds are constantly using their beaks for an array of daily tasks, Renascer ACN didn’t want to risk the faux beak eventually breaking from use and there being no one to repair it. So far, the parrot is living its best life with its new beak.
Watch the transformation below:
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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog