• First, note that close study, in good light, of the beak of many pigeons will show a slight protrusion of the upper mandible, due to the natural shape of the individual�s beak
• An abnormally downcurved beak occurs when the upper mandible grows considerably longer than the lower and assumes a downward, somewhat parrot-like curve.
• It can occur as a result of the upper and lower mandibles being out of alignment, due to a growth of canker and/or pigeon pox forcing the misalignment from within the beak area. It is advised that the inside of the beak be checked immediately for such a condition on finding a bird with this problem
• It sometimes seems to occur, however, with no obvious cause
• A pigeon with this condition can easily starve to death through inability to pick up food, especially individual small food items like grains

Treatment:

• Aside from treating any evident cause, as mentioned above, the upper mandible itself can be trimmed back
• It may be best to have the initial trim performed by a vet, if one is not already familiar with birds, and observe carefully
• Some pigeons will need monitoring and regular beak trimming - others may rarely, if ever, require any further treatment
• Recommended are small-bladed, sharp clippers for the actual trimming, and a small file for smoothing or for a minor trim (see picture).
• Only trim the translucent part of the beak, up to just before this part ends - that is, leave a section below the �normal� beak untrimmed. In some birds which have light coloured beaks (white pigeons for example) it may take very careful judgement to determine this. Trimming too far up can cause a bleed which can be a serious matter.

The above pictures show trimming of a considerable overhang. In this case, it was felt that to trim further back could have proved dangerous to the pigeon.