long toe nails

[cfulhage]

When Ollie went to the vet 2 weeks ago, I asked if they would trim her toe nails. They had only been done once before, by the breeder when she was 8 weeks old. So it has been quite a while. They told me that they weren't long enough to require a trim, and that to hold off as long as I could between trims because otherwise I will end up having to trim them a lot more often.

This concerned me, because at the time of the appt, 2 of her nails were long enough to just lift the tip of her toe up off a hard surface. I thought I had read in all my parrot books that the pads of their toes should never be lifted up off the ground by their nails. Now, 2 weeks after her appt, they really are getting quite long. They aren't real sharp, at least they dont bother me at all, but I just dont want to mess her little toes up by having them lifted upwards.

I have nail trimmers, but would it be better to use a file on them? If so, does a regular nail file like I use work or do I need something special?

[Rue]

...yes, the nail shouldn't be so long as to lift the toe tip up (when the bird is on a flat surface)...

Different people use different things. I use bird toe-nail clippers when necessary (which is hardly ever). I find the SandyPerch products work well for everyone except Ever the Amazon...and I just think she doesn't actually move on them enough...

[cfulhage]

Ollie has a sandy perch available at all times, which is why I think she has lasted 4 months without needing a trim. I have nail clippers that are actually for small dogs and cats, but they are what my breeder used when she did Ollie's at 8 weeks. Are these okay to use? They are on the left, and the ones on the right are for large dogs. I was also told they could be used for clipping wings, although I think I have decided I will leave that up to my vet. However, I think the orange handled ones are too large for Ollie's nails, as I can fit the tip of my index finger between the blades.

I think using a file would be much less stressful for Ollie (and me!), but do I need a certain file?

[Rue]

Hhmmm...

I'll just say, that I've never trimmed the 'tiels nails...and Piper is 20!

LOL...but like I said, Ever doesn't move, so I keep a close eye out on hers and I also regularly have to clip 2 of the finches...

However, I honestly don't think there's a right or wrong. I like the bird nail clippers because they're just the right size...I actually primarily use them on our guinea pigs (whose nails grow like there's no tomorrow)...

...I also have the same dog clippers you have...I hate the guillotine type , but the others are fine...if you're comfortable using those, by all means use them...I don't have the patience to file, but if you do, and the bird likes it, then file...you could also use finger nail scissors...I don't like them, I think they crush the nail a bit too much before they cut through, but they'll do in a pinch...

What I'd avoid is the use of a dremel tool. I know lots of people use them, and use them successfully, including vets...but they turn so fast, that they heat up tissue very fast...maybe not as much of an issue for nails, but I know that they've cause severe damage in birds during beak trims- including brain damage...

[The Outlaw]

For my smaller birds, I use human toenail clippers. I have more control with them. Remember to line them up above and below the nail, not sideways. That would smasht the nail and likely hurt.

You can also use a coarse emery board, like used for artificial nails. This is good for getting the really sharp ends off. However, it they are really long, you'll need to clip them first and then file to smooth the edges.

[cfulhage]

Nancy,
I are you classifying your cag as a small bird? I wasn't sure...she is huge to me, but with the gigantic beasts you have...

[The Outlaw]

I use the same clipper on her as I do the macaws. The only really small bird I have here is Tilde, the Quaker. My macaws aren't as large as you might think. When I compare them to Eenie, they are little squirts!