How do I know if a beak trim is in order?

[vacanteyes]

Hi everyone. 

Been trying to find some good, clear pictures to help me on this and I'm struggling. My budgie was originally fed the normal Trill seed and fresh grasses and fruit/veg every day, but the last month or so I've been using the Trill nutrivit stuff. I've noticed over the last couple of weeks that his beak seems to be getting pretty long, pretty fast. It's seemed fine up until now, he uses the cuttlebone and iodine block very regularly, and his beak was always pretty normal looking. Could it be the nutrivit seed? Seeing as I'm not well versed with birds really, I'm panicing about this beak He's eating as normal, and seems unphased by what I've convinced myself must be a 6ft long beak now. 

Does anyone have any good comparison pictures of long and normal beaks? Preferably a side shot so I can see the hook part. Also, if his beak is too long, would it be possible to cut it myself? I've had plenty of practice trimming rodent teeth and all manner of other things, but beaks would be a first. I was wondering whether I could find someone to show me and then continue on my own.

I will try to get a picture, but Bluey doesn't like to sit still and pose normally.

[stace]

Trill won't be doing anything like that. 

I've tried to find some good beak shots. You can see that it does have an overhang when you see it clearly from the side. Usually they have it tucked in, so it's not so easy to see. 

ffiscool was also concerned about beaks and the varied texture of them from the middle and sides. 

[ffiscool]

Ah, thanks for posting. I see shades there too. So maybe B's is ok

[vacanteyes]

Ahh actually that looks like this one, perhaps a tad longer but only by a millimeter at the most. Thank you for those pictures, they're exactly what I was looking for

[Hezz]

vacanteyes, it would be very unusual for Blue's beak to start growing rapidly, so quickly. Usually abnormal beak growth, with or without nail growth, is a symptom of liver disease. Just doing a bit of reading and it seems that now some vets advocate not trimming overly long beaks, but look to treating the cause. Hooray!

I would also add that generally we don't see the complete length and curve of the upper beak, as they do like to keep it tucked into their fluffy chops, so when you do get a good look at it, it can be like "wow".