A quote from Doctors' Foster & Smith http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=15&cat=1829&articleid=2752

"Beak trimming is best performed by a veterinarian, unless you have considerable experience. If a beak is trimmed too short, it will cause the bird pain, will bleed, and may make it difficult or impossible for a bird to eat"

As an animal rescue & rehab for exotic birds (our network now hosts more than 80 various exotic and some protected species), we see a lot of beak injuries from an owners first trimming and some very panicked owners with frightened birds as a result.

While this is something you may eventually do yourself and quite expertly, it's wise to have it done professionally while you observe and learn.

Also, since the overgrown beak is often an indication of a nutritional problem or other health involvement, an evaluation would certainly be in order. It's very worth making sure there's nothing more serious going on.

Please take a look here for more about why beak overgrowth may indicate something else http://www.petcaretips.net/nail-trimming-bird.html

--- Also, don't forget the fresh cuttlebone and mineral block in the cage --- Once a week or even more, we use a sharp knife to scrape the top layer of these items, keeping them clean and 'fresh' in between replacements. This also keeps our birds interested in them and using them.