Nail Trimming

No rule of thumb will solve the riddle of the proper amount to trim off a toe nail. Only experience can guide you. The quick on many nails (the fleshy core of the nail) reaches further toward the tip than might be expected, In order to avoid cutting deep into the quick, the nail should be trimmed off a small amount at a time. By this procedure if the quick happens to be cut, the bleeding would be minor.

It is better to trim the nails and cope with a bleeding problem than to let the nails overgrow.

Many bird owners have the ability to trim their bird's nails and clip the flight feathers, and thus, save the time and money for someone else doing it. However, the possible disadvantages should be considered.

*Many birds won't tolerate any procedure on their feet, even if painless.

*Restraining these birds creates a frightening situation that might destroy the relationship between the bird and his owner. Pet birds need to trust their owner. Owners need to avoid anything which might cause their bird to associate them directly with fear or pain. Consider having your pet store or veterinarian trim your bird's nails.

Exercise For Wearing Down Nails
When birds have freedom to exercise as they desire their nails will ordinarily wear down to proper length.

Space to move about, then, becomes important in maintenance of normal nails. Large cages and exercise pens with wood accessories or other materials that have a surface conducive to keeping the nails short are ideal.

Time To See Your Veterinarian
A decrease in your bird's activity or a weakening of your bird's grip on the perch may be so gradual that it may not be apparent, These events, though, signaled by overgrowth of the nails may reflect a nutritional or medical problem.

When toe nails begin to overgrow, twist, or become deformed, see your veterinarian.