How can I safely trim my bird's nails and what supplies do I need?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• 

  Answered By Jeffrey Milner

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 27th, 2017

  BIrd nails can be trimmed very similarly to dog or cats nails. They have small blood vessels and nerve endings that can be accidentally severed if the nail is cut to short. The main issue with birds making them more difficult is handling and restraint. Often times it will required at least two people to accomplish the task even with a well-behaved and cooperative bird. I would check out YouTube for some videos and techniques on how best to handle Budgies and smaller birds in particular. This will give you the best idea if this is something that you want to do at home or if you may just want to pay a professional to handle it. If Rio does not seem to use the current pumice perch you have purchased, I would look into purchasing a different sort of surface that may accomplish the same goal. Hope this helps.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• 

  Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on August 12th, 2018

  You might just have to hold your birds carefully in a towel or other soft wrap and clip the nails. Be sure to give a treat afterwards to help them associate it with positive things. If they become too stressed at any time, taking a break and finishing the remaining nails after is best. You also want to make sure not to clip too close too the quik (blood supply) as this is painful and will cause bleeding. Making sure to have styptic powder or something such as cornstarch on hand to stop any bleeding is also best. If they are too stressed, or you are uncomfortable doing this yourself, having a vet show you and trimming the nails the first time is best.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• 

  Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on August 17th, 2018

  I don't usually clip my own bird's nails unless they are getting long enough to be bothersome and impede their ability to get around. How long between nail trims greatly depends on how active your bird is and how much natural wearing down they are getting just from perching and moving around. You can clip the nails on your own, just be sure to not hit the quick (the blood supply) of the nail which can be extremely painful and cause discomfort (which may be why he has some trouble perching after if it hurts, however falling off seems a bit worrisome and if it happens even when he isn't having a nail trim I'd have a vet check things out just in case.) Having styptic powder or cornstarch on hand when you do trim can help stop any bleeding. If his nails don't seem overgrown or bothersome, you may not need to clip them very often.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful