The first thing to do when trimming your birds nails is to make sure that they actually need trimming! Get a helper! 3 Ways to Groom Lories and Lorikeets - wikiHow Pet The nail may be trimmed a little at a time to help lessen the chance of bleeding. And always reward the bird when the job is done. Or your bird may have trouble walking. It is important to keep a bird's nails trimmed regularly to maintain good health and avoid any potential harm. Speak to the bird in a calm soothing voice to minimize their fear. Read our, The 7 Best Dog Nail Clippers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Grooming Guinea Pigs: Nail Trimming, Brushing, and Bathing, The Problem With Sand and Concrete Bird Perches, The 7 Best Dog Clippers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, How to Stop Destructive Scratching in Cats. Certain types of birds, such as pionus parrots, certain species of macaw, and other parrots, have upper beaks that are normally longer than that of other birds and that are easy to mislabel as overgrownwhen they are actually normal length. This position will make it easier to see and access the nails. Place one finger within reach of your birds feet so that it can grasp onto the finger. Or has it recently seemed to prefer standing on the cage floor rather than using its perches? Here are a few tips on how to help birds trim their nails in captivity: Just like in the wild, perching on hard surfaces can help birds to naturally trim their nails. How to Trim Dog Nails That Are Overgrown (With a Dog Nail Grinder) When clipping a bird's claws, cut off only the sharp pointed tip to avoid cutting into the quick and causing pain for your pet. Pet birds need to be supplied with perches of varying widths and textures to maintain . Broken nails cause pain in birds. However, it requires the proper tools and knowledge to do this as safely as possible. !Hope you stay safe Thanks For Watching God Bless you all!Music Used:https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/warm-memoriesLicense code: EUDEEDOWFN2OAU8Lhttps://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/she-doesnt-knowLicense code: SJNTHHQYKRJ0DLHP Move slowly, approaching it from the side, not from over its head (like a predator would). 3.4 3.4 out of 5 stars (30) $10.99 . Birds have a natural way of trimming their nails, and it is a crucial part of their daily routine. For a small bird, a pair of nail scissors may work out well enough, but for a big bird, a clipper that can cut through the thicker nail quickly and cleanly will be essential. Birds can make it difficult for you when trimming their nails. To trim the nails of your pet budgie, you will need a bird-specific nail trimmer or a human nail clipper. Your veterinarian can trim the nails safely during regular health examinations and is prepared to deal with any bleeding, should it occur. The other essential tool is the specially designed nail clipper for birds. Their nails are so long they're "curly." Another way to know if your bird's nails need to be done is to pay attention to the nails (the claw). This sometimes can cause bleeding or abrasions. You should also take your bird to the vet at the first sign of infection, such as pus or swelling, and if the nail has not begun to heal in a week. Does your bird have overgrown nails that need trimming ? Next, position the bird so its head is facing downwards and its wings are away from its body. While lack of wear may lead to overgrowth of both the top and bottom parts of the beak in pet birds, so can various disease processes. Its never a good idea to reach into your birds cage, grab it across its wings, and start whacking away at its overgrown nails. One of the most obvious signs that your bird needs a nail trim is excessive nail length. Gently and slowly make sure your bird gets used to the feeling of the towel. A: It is not recommended to use human nail clippers on birds as they are not designed for the thickness and hardness of a bird's nails. When you take your bird out of its cage, always take a moment to let your bird feel comfortable being heard. Why Do Budgies Pluck Their Feathers? It doesn't hurt because you are only filing away dead keratin (beak and nails). All birds can be given hard food items (such as nuts and crunchy vegetables) to help with beak wear. Using a light colored towel -- bright colored towels might alarm your bird -- lay the towel on your hand and allow the bird to climb onto the towel, maybe with some little treats and "good bird" affirmations to encourage your bird to be comfortable with the towel. You can try to trim its nails again later, but if you encounter the same problems, have a skilled veterinarian or bird groomer do it for you. Make sure to clean nail clippers if they become dirty or come into contact with blood from hitting the quick before using them to trim another animal's nails. For a small bird, a pair of nail scissors may work out well enough, but for a big bird, a clipper that can cut through the thicker nail quickly and cleanly will be essential. If you do accidentally draw blood, apply an astringent like a styptic pencil, styptic powder (such as Quick Stop), alum, or witch hazel. Ask your veterinarian about what clotting agents are safe for use in birds. You can trim your birds nails at home with a few simple tools. PDF Toenail Tips for Parrot Keepers This lack of perch variability often results in decreased wear of nails and nail overgrowth. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by our readers with no extra cost added to you all! If your birds nails are dark, use extra care and trim just a little at a time. Birdingdepot.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It is best to have the veterinarian trim the nails. Place your index finger over its head, and let your other fingers and thumb gently hold it on both sides. Meanwhile, finches and other small birds tend not to require nail trimming as much because they dont land from high spaces in the same way larger birds do! Mogoko 20cm Parrot Bird Perch Grip Safety Birdcage Stand Paw Grinding Metal Stick Trim Nails and Beak Promotes Healthy Feet Toy for Budgies Parakeet Cockatiel Conure. Her specialty is in avian behavior and socialization. This position will make it easier to see and access the nails. Remember that the quick grows with the nail and an overgrown nail will have a longer quick. Perches should be of varying diameter so that the bird can distribute pressure over different areas of the feet bottoms, preventing sores that may develop from constant pressure on one area. By maintaining their nails, birds are able to continue to perform important tasks such as perching, hunting, and self-defense, which are crucial for their survival in the wild. Already have a myVCA account? There are, however, many other reasons for trimming a bird's nails than for your own personal comfort. Often, however, a bird owner will think his or her birds beak is too long when it is actually a normal length for the birds species. Its never a bad idea to let your vet trim your birds nails, but in this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about how to trim your birds nails and live to tell the tale. Flying and exercise can also help birds to trim their nails. The overgrown portion of the beak has no feeling and can be safely trimmed away. In these situations, parts of the toenail may be ripped off or may cause a broken toe, causing severe pain or blood loss. When birds are in the wild, its their job to fly from one place to another. Even the most domesticated birds can get a little upset by being wrapped up, so you will need to take control of your birds head to keep from being bitten. If they're not shaving them down naturally, budgies need their beaks trimmed. Tools of the trade: For G-Day (grooming day), gather all your grooming materials and ask a friend or family member to help (it is best if your bird is already familiar with the person). Cautery pens are ideal because if the quick is cut, the nail will not bleed. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help make nail trimming a much smoother experience for yourself and your feathered friend. It is essential for birds to trim their nails in the wild to maintain good health and avoid discomfort. Next, position the bird so its head is facing downwards and its wings are away from its body. Remember, the blood vessels in the nail are on the sides, not in the middle. What to watch out for: Watch your bird closely as you are trimming its nails. Regardless of the instrument used to trim toenails, the bird should be securely and safely restrained. Any changes in the rate of growth, color, texture, symmetry, or shape of the beak or nails should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian immediately, as they could be an indication of an underlying medical problem. If you hit the quick, the bird may experience pain and bleed, so its best to avoid this by only trimming a small amount at a time and keeping a styptic powder on hand in case of an accident. A. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? The most common method is to use a pair of sharp scissors or nail clippers. Learn more. The tip of the upper beak has a substantial nerve supply and will cause pain if broken or trimmed improperly. Like many other animals, birds use their nails to scratch and relieve itches all over their bodies. The frequency with which you'll have to trim your bird's nails varies, depending on its species, health, and what's in its environment to wear down its nails. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The nail may be trimmed a little at a time to help lessen the chance of bleeding. To trim your bird's nails you will need pet-safe blunt scissors or nail clippers designed specifically for birds. They provide just the right amount of friction to keep your birds nails and beak trimmed. Note: Remember that birds need time to adjust when their routine changes, so are patient with them, especially if they are resistant at first it may take a few before they get used to having their nails trimmed! Tip #4. Care must be taken not to trim too much from the beak, or the drill may hit the blood vessel and nerves, causing bleeding and severe pain. A: Yes, trimming a bird's nails is generally safe when done correctly. Styptic powder is available at drugstores in the men's shaving products section.