Nail trimming

[sammiesmom]

Do any of you trim your bird's nails or have a Vet do it? If you do it yourself, could you give me some tips? Thanks!

[Jean]

For about the first 6 years I had Elvie I had the vet trim his nails and wings. I decided spending 30.00 to trim nails & clip wings, another 15.00 if he needed a beak trim. I decided I could learn to do myself.

I decided to file my nails as anticipated Elvie didn't want me to get all the pampering so he got off his cage and came over to my chair to get in on the action. Shortly after I clipped his wings. It really wasn't a problem since I had watched the vet do it for years. The following month I purchased a Drummel. I alternate from that to the fingernail file depending how fast they have grown. I always praise him when I clip his nails and wings then give him a treat when I'm finished. I also learned from the avian vet how to trim his beak with the Drummel so I can do it as necessary. I suggest you ask your avian vet to show you how to trim nails and advise you of the dangers if not properly trimmed.

I towel Elvie when I trim his nails with the Drummel. This avoids any abrupt movements which could cause a severe injury. When I trim them with a file I do it with out being toweled.

[Shirley]

Holly's were dremeled by us about 2 yrs ago this June and for some reason, she keeps them very smooth and rounded... haven't trimmed them since. Skyler's grow fast and get very sharp. Sometimes we do them, and sometimes Dr. C does them. Either cat claw clippers or a dremel. No one else has needed their nails done.

[Islandzoo]

when we first got Basil we thought her nails were too long so we took her to the vet, but he snipped the minutest end bits off and they bled.

So now, we file them down. In my opinion some of them are a little long but trevor thinks not - but the quick is near the end - what can you do? she is very good so lets him file her, which he does fairly regular. but it's not the same as actually cutting them is it.

[parrotgirl]

I will cut all my little guys, but Bucc is a different matter he moves about so much that I get the vet to do it. He's only ever needed them done once as he too keeps them very well trimmed and rounded.

[sammiesmom]

Thanks. I'll ask her Vet about it! Appreciate the input.

[jimleasure]

if there is a reputable bird shop near i suggest that. i have the sugarcreek bird farm near to where i live and they charge anywhere from 3-8 dollars(u.s.) for wings,nails or beak. they are good at it and i don't need an appointment. now if i have help on holding my guys i'll do it myself.

[SummerJ]

Sydneys previous owner said she could cut her nails, but I have not had any success. I have tried showing her the nail file, but all she wants to do is bite on it! I didn't think about trying to file my own nails and letting her watch. :scratchch I got two of the perches that have the sand on them. They have helped some, but her two nails in the front are really getting long. We are going to visit Dr. C. next week and nails are one of the things we need to get done.
I have no problem doing Simon's nails (Cockatiel). My hushand holds him and I use baby nail clippers. Max, the Senegal, no way will I even try!! I think he would bite my fingers off!!:eek:
Janet

[sammiesmom]

I changed her perch so she no longer has the sandy one and I think that's one of the problems. Gads, it can really hurt when she grabs me with those sharp things! :eek: